Up for Scaling New Sights

I had a somewhat productive -not to mention, impromptu- training day yesterday. What was supposed to be a quick in & out errand stretched out longer than I expected. So instead of focusing my energy in complaining, I've decided to make use of the time and actually do some calorie burning in the process.

{Up Down, Up Down, Up Down}
{Yes, this is me, training for my Urbanathlon vertical sky run.}

I had to wait a bit for to register for the Corregidor run, but I'm not complaining (Can anyone say Adidas KOTR 2009 Expo??!! 3 hours of my life I won't be able to take back. Ugh.). I'm just glad that I was still able to get a slot considering how fast the race kits are disappearing (I first contacted Hector of Second Wind Runnning Store the night before, but they're all out of kits na daw!). As of yesterday, the Corregidor run had 500 registered participants out of the alloted 750 already. And it's just less than a week since they opened registration. Wow. With this run moonlighting as a tourist attraction (or is it the other way around?), I can't say I'm all that surprised at the turnout. This was a really good idea to boost tourism in the country. It'll be my first time to visit Corregidor. And I can't wait to see it on foot- all 16 kilometers of it.

The Conquer Corregidor race kit comes with the ferry boarding pass (round trip) and the lunch buffet (whoo-hoo!) slip. The singlet will be distributed on race day (December 6, 2009).

{10 Mile Conquer Corregidor Race Kit}

Urbanathlon
My first Urbanathlon experience challenged me to do my first 10K run way back in 2007. It was the start of a relationship with longer distances, not to mention the realization that I have ZERO upper body strength. This year, the Men's Health Urbanathlon tackles a new feat- the vertical sky run. Aside from the 5/10K run and the usual obstacles (I hate marine hurdles!), the route now passes through a building. From what I hear, there are 15 floors to scale. Is this true? I can usually go 7 flights without stopping (that's 7 without the 4th floor. hehe) on a normal day, so anything more than that is really a feat for me.

The Urbanathlon Race Kit (registration is at Runnr Store, BHS) includes the race bib and a copy of Men's Health November issue. Inside the magazine is an Urbanathlon training plan. You still have 10 days to cram for it. A finisher shirt will be given at the finish line.

{My 10K Urbanathlon Race Kit}

Martinis & Aprons

{Martinis & Aprons: A Lifestyle Cookbook for Those Who Like to Entertain}
{Available in Fully Booked}

I may not have achieved my full marathon dreams for this year (Subic and Singapore was a bust). Call me a drama queen, but I think it's suffice to say that I have gone through the same rigorous work and training that goes with it. Lo and behold, after almost 2 years in the making, the 487-page lifestyle cookbook is finally out!

Working with the rest of the team (I miss all the characters already) was an exhilirating experience. It was fun (with admittedly a dash of frustration at times), educational (I can "finger test" a steak in my sleep), and a real test of patience and compromise. Pacing was on a whole different level here- I have so much to learn. But despite all the drama and delays, crossing the finish line will always be worth all that hard work.

So please, pardon the shameless plugging, but I do hope this labor of love (blood, sweat, and tears included) and a semblance of a marathon finds its way into your Christmas lists.

Oh, and did I mention that the proceeds will go to charity too? ;)

{Both hardbound and softbound versions include handy pull-outs.}

{This was the cover that didn't make it. What do you think? Can you spot the difference?}

Check out a sample recipe here.

SpongeBob Pink Pants!

October's Takbo! Breast Friends Run marks my anniversary in running. This year, however, I missed the run, but will still be supporting the cause in a different way.

No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, nor are you turning color blind. It's SpongeBob- in PINK!

Nickelodeon teamed up with I CanServe Foundation and came up with oh-so-cute limited edition Pink Pants paraphernalia like T-shirts, pillows, and baller ID's. It's available in SM Department Stores until the end of the month only.

{I got a Spongebob Pink Pants Multiway Scarf.}
{I can use it as a wristband too, since Watch+Run+Sweat=Chafe. Ugh!}

For men averse to pink, you can still help the cause in your own macho way. Don't forget to run the New Balance Power Run... Raising Hope on November 29, 2009 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

ICanServe Foundation, The Carewell Community, Philippine Cancer Society and Natasha Goulbourn Foundation were chosen as beneficiaries of the 2009 New Balance Power Run...Raising Hope.

See you there!

P.S. Can't get enough of pink? Or if you just want to help the cause, check out Beautynomics' Blog.

Orange you glad you can carbo-load?

Just sharing my kitchen project this coming weekend. Here's hoping I get to recreate this yummy (well, at least it looks that way) pasta dish. But maybe without the caviar... =) If anyone else decides to have a go at this, do let me know how yours came out. Happy carbo-loading to all the marathoners this Saturday/Sunday!

{Photography by Amanda Luym Aboitiz from Martinis & Aprons}

Angel Hair Pasta with Dalandan and Orange Sauce
by Marielle Santos (from Martinis & Aprons: A Lifestyle Cookbook for Those Who Like to Entertain)

Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup fresh milk
½ cup full cream milk
Zest of 1 dalandan
Zest of 1 orange
1 oz cognac
½ cup fresh mint leaves
280 g angel hair pasta (or about ½-pack) (Use whole-grain for a healthier option!)
Black caviar (optional)

In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, dalandan, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, and then lower heat and simmer until thickened, stirring frequently. Add cognac and mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss with angel hair pasta and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. You may drizzle with truffle oil before serving, or top with black caviar.

Oranges
Eat enough oranges and you may experience less muscle soreness after hard workouts such as downhill running. Why? Oranges supply over 100 percent of the DV for the antioxidant vitamin C, and a recent study from the University of North Carolina Greensboro showed that taking vitamin C supplements for two weeks prior to challenging arm exercises helped alleviate muscle soreness. This fruit's antioxidant powers also come from the compound herperidin found in the thin orange-colored layer of the fruit's skin (the zest). Herperidin has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure as well.

Add to your diet: Add orange sections to fruit and green salads, or use the orange juice and pulp for sauces to top chicken, pork, or fish. And to benefit from the antioxidant herperidin, use the orange zest in baking and cooking.

Whole-grain Pasta
Pasta has long been a runner's best friend because it contains easily digestible carbs that help you restock spent glycogen (energy) stores. Whole-grain versions are a must over refined pastas because they contain more fiber to fill you up, additional B vitamins that are crucial to energy metabolism, and disease-fighting compounds such as lignans. And even better, pastas such as Barilla Plus offer whole-grain goodness along with heart-healthy omega-3 fats from ground flaxseed and added protein from a special formula of ground lentils, multigrains, and egg whites to help with muscle repair and recovery.

Add to your diet: Pasta makes a complete one-pot meal--perfect for busy runners--when tossed with veggies, lean meat, seafood, or tofu. Or combine pasta with a light sauce, a bit of your favorite cheese, and turn it into a satisfying casserole.

Information taken from RW's 15 Best Foods For Runners.

Tea and Sympathy

{Talk About Wit-tea: Ctrl, Alt, Del Tea Cup Set}

I reach for my tea and slowly drink in the absurdity of the 21K race form (Paid!) I hold in my hand. After weeks of zero running, the reality of panting and gasping through a half marathon only gives me a feeling of dread. So, what's a delinquent runner to do? Press Alt Z to Undo!

Yes, this little chicken downgraded a 21K race kit to a 10K. I'm all set to simply enjoy the Adidas KOTR experience, instead of just trying to NOT die while running down Buendia. ;)