The Endorphin Effect

After almost two weeks of not lacing up my running shoes, I finally got the chance to burn those pent up (or more aptly, spent) energy at the gym last weekend. I was only able to log 8 Kms, a small feat, considering I should be training for longer runs in time for KOTR or New Balance's half marathon. For now, I'm still undecided if it's a 10 or 21 Km in the Adidas run. Nevertheless, this was one of my enjoyable runs. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

I started with an easy pace then proceeded with bursts of 1-minute speed intervals, during which I probably hit my peak, or as some would say, the runner's high*. So, what usually happens during a runner's high anyway?

I guess the feeling differs for every person. Me? I may just have this teeny, tiny tendency of smiling myself silly while running alone, as was recently discovered when a total stranger, just a few machines away from me, smiled and waved back. Okaaaay, wha-? Oh God, did he just think I was hitting on him?!! In which I was suddenly aware that I did feel the corners of my mouth curve into a nice, big smile beforehand. Come to think of it, I vaguely remember a semi-laugh escape my lips as I exhaled. I couldn't help it, it just came naturally. As if my face wasn't red enough from the run— How em-ba-ras-sing!

Blame it on the rush of endorphins to my head, which was magnified by the Samba-themed playlist plugged into my ears; which made me think of lazy afternoons by the beach; which made me think of tanning oils and beads of sweat; which made me think of luscious, icy mango margaritas... You get the drift.

At the end of the day, I'm simply ecstatic that I got to run AND learn that I had a few pick-up tricks hidden up my sleeve that might just actually work! ;)


*Runner's High. Said to resemble a feeling of intense euphoria, these biochemicals in the brain are released and could actually alter an athlete’s mood. These chemicals are called endorphins, the brain’s naturally occurring opiates.

Vacation in A Cup

What's the day going to be like when you...

• wake up via the sound of howling winds and the promise of yet another wet, wet, wet day
• are caught in the crossfire between a Golden Retriever, a Mini Dachschund and an Aspin (the politically correct Asong Pinoy formerly known as Askal/Crossbreed/Mutt)
• drop, break a plate and splatter Bistek Tagalog all over yourself

If you, like me, have pretty much enough leaves to spare, you make a quick decision to forego a potentially disastrous day and take an impromptu vacation leave (assuming you don't have deadlines to meet. Thank God, I finished mine yesterday).

To those who can't, take the next best thing- A vacation in a cup!

Short of sounding like a Lipton walking advert, the milk + tea combination really does relax you. I should know, I just had one yesterday. I'm having another one today, thanks to this: http://promos.k2ia.com/lipton.php

Check it out. Print it out. Step out (it's practically in every corner of the metro). And just simply zone out.

Have a blissful day, people!

Cafe Scientifique: Caffeine for the Cranium

{Beans are brewed in Cafe Scientifique}

Something good is brewing in Manila, and it doesn't smell like your usual coffee. If caffeine and conversations are your thing, then you should definitely try going to a Cafe Scientifique session. More like informal gatherings than school-like lectures, this movement started in cafes in UK, and are now being held in bars, restaurants, or any place outside the traditional four corners of the classroom. Intrigued by the featured topic, "Can Passion be Brewed?", I had my first taste of the forum at Kape Isla in Serendra yesterday.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I got there, but I was pleasantly surprised to find out that free coffee and snacks would be served upon registration. I've been to Kape Isla a few times before, and I've always liked their concept of featuring different coffee brands from around the Philippines. The cafe was just as cozy, albeit a little too dark for my taste. The seats were arranged ala lecture style to face the speaker.

The open forum started with Dr. Emi Liwag, a cognitive scientist, giving a short introduction on how we (people/Pinoys) perceive passion. Pretty soon, the audience were actively participating as well. Some pleasantly inquisitive (or as one commented, safe in a gray area) and some a little more passionately than others. The afternoon was spent listening to people of different personalities and professions contribute their tw0-cents worth. As Mitzi Borromeo, Cafe Scientifique's facilitator would say, "There's no such thing as a stupid question". A melting of the minds. It was interesting, enlightening, and clearly too engaging to fit into a mere 1-hour (maybe a bit more) session. Unfortunately, my question was posed too early in the program (it was to be tackled in the second part, until time eventually ran out), so it wasn't discussed as in-depth as I would've liked. Context clues were inferred from other viewpoints though. So, all good. More than enough insights to keep me awake at night. The other culprit would probably be Kape Isla's yummy and STRONG iced coffee (with a slight hint of chocolate)- just the way I like it.

Some of the passionate minds I met over coffee talk: Marge, an industrial designer who is involved in The Mind Museum. Coolness!; Eric, an architect with a secret passion. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. But do remember us little people when you make it big; Ging, an events moderator who is passionate about teaching kids how to really, really read good (Sorry, I couldn't help injecting a little Zoolander humor... It's really, really amazing what she does though.)

Oh, and my two-centavo question: Where does passion stop and obsession begin?

Two cents, anyone?

Download Nike+ Sportmusic

{www.nikeplus.com}

As a reward to those who joined the Human Race, downloadable workout music and training programs are available in nikeplus.com.

My First 10K
Designed with new 10K runners in mind, this training mix combines some of the best Latin-Alternative music, including songs from the Pinker Tones, Ceu and Nortec Collective, with coaching by Jay Blahnik to get you ready to race.

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=music_downloads,10K

Treadmill Workout
This 30 minute mix specifically combats the monotony of running on a treadmill by mixing energetic music, world-class caoching by Jay Blahnik, challenging inclines and speed changes to keep you engaged while you continue to train for any 10K after the Nike+ Human Race.

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=music_downloads,treadmill

10K Quickrun
This training mix helps you prep for the Nike+ Human Race, or any 10K, on days you don't have time for a full workout. Spend 20 minutes with fitness trainer Jay Blahnik and give your legs and lungs an effective, energizing workout.

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=music_downloads,quickrun

Disclaimer: I have yet to try these workouts, so do check back after some time to see my review. OR if you happen to have tried these out, let me know how it went for you. So far, I'm loving the "My First 10K" Samba-licious playlist.

Post-Nike Human Race (Plus More Perks)

Save for a few uphill whinings, the culmination of the Nike (Philippines) Human Race held in McKinley Hills resulted in nothing but great reviews. A job well done by the organizers, their collaborators and sponsors. It was a damn good run.

As if a half-naked Jake Cuenca ~sigh~ on the cover of Men's Health Magazine wasn't enough...

{Running Fatboy's swag. See anything (or anyone) swoon-worthy?}

Participants of the race also get a 10% discount at R.O.X. (Bonifacio High Street in Fort) from August 31-September 15, 2008. Just be sure to bring your race bib or the Photovendo souvenir as proof.

Also, as a finisher prize to those who joined the Human Race, downloadable workout music and training programs are available at nikeplus.com.

My First 10K

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=music_downloads,10K

Treadmill Workout

http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=music_downloads,treadmill

10K Quickrun
http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=music_downloads,quickrun

More on Nike+ Sportmusic here.
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Human Race Shout-Outs
To my running buds (in the flesh and online), who make every run a new experience, but always just as fun. Keep on running!

To the Men of the Swoosh: Hector, for texting friendly tips on the route of the race. Not that the uphill warnings did me any good (haha), but muchos gracias still! Jerwin, for lending me his iPod armband and saving my arms from another chafing (that's tiangge buys for you).

To (my) blurred vision of the man with glasses in a bright, blue singlet- my new running friend, Henry- who practically paced me from the 6 km mark, up and down, until the end. Thank you. I would've hated myself for walking.

{Running Buddies- Jinides, janine+, Running Fatboy, Perper Oven}

{Yo Bro, JerwinHo!}

{New Meets Over Eats- Neville, Hector, Grace, Paolo}

{A milestone for Jinides. Her first 10K.}

{Uploading the runs and being part of Nike+ history.}