Din: Dynamic Stretching

Ever since we started running, I am in the constant lookout for tips and tricks to improve our run, slowly but surely, and at the same time to prevent any potential injuries. In this regard, the first thing that I investigated on was how to further improve our stretching exercises. As it has always been said, stretching is suppose to be essential before and after a strenuous activity to improve performance and reduce injuries.

Further research on this topic led me to dynamic stretching which was admittedly a new concept for us. After using it for about 2 months now, all I can say is we find it more effective compared to the regular static stretching. I embedded below a video which is the source of the dynamic stretching routines we are currently using. I hope this will help you in your quest to learn more about dynamic stretching.

Carrie: Mizuno Infinity Run

We were very lucky to be able to join the first Mizuno Infinity Race at the Fort yesterday. To our surprise the event was not that all hyped up (whew!). The crowd was on a decent number. People were not packed like sardines when we entered the race ground, this is true most especially with the 5k category (we have experienced being packed like one during our first ever run). Let me share with you some of my reviews.

• The race started on time.
• There was ample parking for those who came with their own ride.
• There were enough water stations though its just so sad to see people throwing their empty plastic cups around and not have the decency to practice proper waste disposal. As runners, I believe that if we can discipline ourselves to perfect our sport then we can also make a habit to do proper disposal especially during races.
• There was a water truck with a sprinkler to cool our bodies. the weather was so hot yesterday.
• There was a bit of chaos with the line formation to claim freebies and other stuff.
• The 5k race route was not the same as what the organizer posted in their site. Good thing was we finished :)
• Overall, Mizuno Infinity Race was a good race. Training was worth it!

Mizuno's challenge to runners is to "Beat Your Own Time"- we got the message and we did! I did my 5k with a 38min 51sec time. A 7 min improvement from my last race. I was in high spirits and cant complain. My training paid off. Now who says the street where my Grandma and my Aunt lives is steep?

Din: Running Events for April 2010

It will be a busy month for the running duo since every weekend, we have a running event. You can find these events below where we will be running 5K.

Mizuno Infinity Run 2010

NatGeo Earth Day Run 2010

Takbo Para sa PGH 2010

Carrie: Pinay in Action

Last Saturday was our first time to join the yearly running event of Senator Pia Cayetano, Pinay In Action For the last 5 years Senator Pia together with the Filipino women celebrate the yearly event with a run to commemorate the month of March as Women's month. This event aims to provide women different channels for a healthy lifestyle and guidelines for a better future.

It was my second 5km run and I really enjoyed myself. With hubby beside me painstakingly enduring my running pace - yep he supported me all the way! Though the fun run started a bit late the women and our men supporters were eager to hear words of encouragement from the Senator.

The run was light and easy but I still have a lot to improve. At 46mins 50+ seconds I finished and was greeted at the finish line by hubby and new found friends The Meek Runner [Anna] and her hubby. We were all smiling and happy to have finished. Anna and her hubby have to leave early to attend to a previous engagement, hubby and I stayed on to the mini program and awarding of winners. Over all, the event was a success.

I hope to do this event yearly. I hope to become a Pinay In Action woman.


With Anna (the meek runner).


Finishing the race. Look at the time! Hahaha! It doesnt matter though. I did it! I had fun! I supported a very good cause.


With Senator Pia Cayetano.

Carrie: Pacing = Patience

When I run with hubby last Monday I decided to follow his lead. His pace was a bit slower than mine so I adjusted mine and shared with him the road, the cool-hot morning air, blue skies, the overall morning atmosphere in our village. As we were running I noticed that I had this urge to run ahead and do my own pace. Fortunately, I kept on with him and was surprised to discover that I had covered almost 2kms non stop. For somebody like me that was an achievement.

You see, when I start a hobby or a sport I usually end up doing all the wrong moves, why? because I want my cake right away. I always fall on the category of being impatient. Thus, since I started running my left heel always hurts, my whole body ache, and I ran out of breath. For 7 weeks now I have been running on and off and still haven't learned anything about pacing, endurance, strength, breathing and form.

Last Monday was the turning point. Because I waited, because I paced properly, I was able to achieve something I will never do on my own. Its never too late to start learning and the first thing I should learn is to be patient to understand pacing more.