Posted in October 2009 …

Oct 26 2009
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Self Improvement, Sports

Image is nothing. Pacing is everything.

One look at Dwight Howard’s frame can tell you he can easily bang with anyone inside the paint.  Japeth Aguilar? The first time I saw the guy, and even without seeing him play, I knew that he’s more athletic than most Filipino basketball players. Is it safe to say that an athlete’s physique is always a good indication of how capable and effective they can be?

Not in running, buddy.

adidas-king-of-the-road-alvinIn my recent attempts to understand this sport more clearly, I’ve encountered guys who look like fat bastard. I’ve run into douchebag types on the track oval near my workplace as well. I’ve met guys who don’t look the least bit like they’re fit. But the moment they lace on those running shoes… Oh man, it’s on.

Sunday’s Adidas King of the Road marathon was no different. Though my gameplan was to just keep my eyes on the ground in front of me and let my music set the pace, I just couldn’t.

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Oct 22 2009
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Self Improvement, Sports

Not yet ready to run.

So today is Thursday, and the Adidas King of the Road 2009 race is two days away. Any runner out there will tell you — there’s just no friggin’ way anyone can cram their training for any marathon. Well, here’s what I managed to squeeze into my schedule over the past month or so since I acquired my Nike+ sensor.

nike-plus-runsIn case you’re curious, the graph above represents the distances I’ve done, segregated by km per day. And what category did I join for Sunday’s marathon? I joined the 10k. So yes, based on estimates alone, I’ll probably cross the finish line in at least an hour and thirty. In runners’ terms, that’d hella slow.

King-of-the-road-singlet

Oh well, I do know that the P500 I paid to register netted me a cool Adidas singlet which was such a pain to claim (see previous post). In any case, goodluck to everyone joining the Adidas King of the Road 2009. See everyone at The Fort!

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Oct 17 2009
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Others, Sports

Adidas King of the Road 2009: Race Kit Claiming Fail

Adidas-KOTR-Race-2009
No, this isn’t mine, but I wish it was.

I was supposed to pick my race kit for the Adidas King of the Road marathon on October 25. It just so happens that today is also the 2nd day of their usual 3-day sales. I was informed that Adidas had alloted specific times for race kit pick ups, and having joined the 10k, I ended up going to the mall shortly before 1230. I had a quick meal at Sbarros, and was on my way to Megatrade Hall 2 when I saw a small crowd forming outside. So I said to myself, they’re probably just taking long because of the stubs that have to be submitted.

Well, I was wrong.

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Oct 16 2009
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Self Improvement, Sports

So what if I look like a douchebag?

Ipod-armbandOn my last trip to Las Vegas around this time last year, my fiancee surprised me with a 2nd generation Ipod Touch. I’ve never owned an Ipod until that time because I always thought I would only end up breaking it because of my rugged lifestyle. I refrained from using it in the gym, and only used it in the office. I subscribed to a few podcasts here and there, but the novelty quickly wore off. It was around May of this year when I got another surprise from her. After repeatedly telling Mariel not to get me those Senheissers, she got em anyway.

I know what you’re going to say — that I probably look like a douche when I bring, wear, or use the thing during my runs.

My answer to that, is that I really don’t care.

  • My Ipod Touch helps me fend off boredom when I run. I am incapable of running long distances at a uniform pace. This is Mr. Short Attention Span you’re talking to here.
  • Believe it or not, those Nike + sensor thingies actually work. I know a heart rate monitor is more useful, but I can’t afford the thing (besides I’m not a hardcore runner). Though far from being 100% accurate, hearing the automated voice say “Workout complete” is actually rewarding.

The moral of this story? There’s no need to worry about perceptions when it comes to your health. If you need that Ipod, dri-fit shirt,  or new pair of running shoes (No, I’m not trying to justify a potential purchase) to keep you motivated, then go for it as long as you can afford it. A few years down the line, you’ll realize that you’d rather be a fit douchebag than an overweight, unfit, tub of lard.

And oh, Mariel, thank you again for my Ipod Touch and kickass earphones.

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