GONE? START!

Pat's familiar path
 
 

When I quit competitive swimming 14 years ago, I was so sure that I would not go back to doing it again.  I used to train ten times a week logging in a minimum of 8,000meters per work-out and a maximum of twelve thousand meters.  I had to do twice a week land training which consisted of a few reps at the swim bench and at least thirty reps of ten different abs work-out. (Nothing against my coaches, in fact... I could not thank them enough for how they instilled discipline in me and how they made me into a tough athlete.)










I had to eat my own words when two months after breaking my left foot, my ortho told me that I could work-out again and recommended that I swim so as not to stress my injured foot.  I took out my swim paraphernalia that I’ve kept at the back of my closet and even got myself a new pullboy. 

Here are some of the lessons I learned in going back:
                  

Build Endurance -- I am back to zero when it comes to endurance and will need to build it back.  This means I need to get my body accustomed to swimming again and AWAKEN the muscles (if ever, I still have it!)

Patience -- I’ve learned not to time myself…yet!  I tried to time myself doing 50meters fly and got a disappointing sub 50 with ugly strokes by the time I reached past 35meters.

Have fun -- I’ve learned to just enjoy this phase and ride with the flow!

Support – One cannot do it alone… support from family and friends are always welcome. 
                                                
Pray -- Thank the Lord for the blessings that He has poured out

                                                                            
Recovery may not be fast but I’m dealing with it slowly and making sure that I don’t risk hurting the same spot again.


 

Rey's old rays

 

Since I became a runner, running had become a vital part of my daily routine just like coffee. In my universe, two to three consecutive days without a run was lethal; almost a strange, non- existent possibility because even if I had to heal an injury or my schedule would be so hectic, I’d still manage to squeeze in a run no matter how short it would be.

I was afraid I’d lose the speed or endurance or would gain weight if I stop running for long(meaning maximum of three days) or sometimes it was only because I felt I needed it to keep my sanity.

 

But things changed when my running buddy, Tricia, got injured. I was there from day 1 and I witnessed the pain she had to go through to deal with this set back. I knew that more than the physical pain, it was the idea and reality of not being able to do any work out that hurt her. As her friend, I thought I’d journey with her and do a “sympathy injury.” She did not ask for it nor gave me any hint that I had to do it but it was a voluntary decision not to engage in any activity until I feel the necessity to go back to running again. I didn’t want to sprinkle salt on her wound by letting her see me sweating after a good work out. I wanted her to feel that she wasn’t alone and that we could survive without the work out; that we could be happy doing other things considering the situation.

 

I stopped running for almost two months. There were sad days and heavy ones- literally and figuratively. Tricia would push me to run but I was resolved to fulfill the promise I made to myself.

 

When Tricia was beginning to recover, I decided to run again to catch up with her metabolism as soon as she’s ready to move. I have a very slow metabolism because of my hypothyroidism which is inversely proportional to hers so I had to lose all the weight first so I wouldn’t be left behind.

 

The first run was a struggle. I ran and I felt really exhausted thinking I’ve run for a while since I wasn’t wearing a watch to check. To my surprise, when I got home, I realized, I’ve only been gone for 20 minutes! J

 

The succeeding runs were not different. I tried running sub-1 10Km and successfully did it but.. I was dying! What used to be an easy pace and comfortable distance became a challenge.

I couldn’t count the times I’ve asked myself and wondered how I was able to finish all those races before.

 

I felt bad, yes but it was an experience I’d always look back to and smile at.

 

Lessons learned:

Be more grateful for every step that you're able to do since not everyone gets the chance to do it.

 

Be conservative with you targets

 

Be patient.

 

Learn to be content with what you're able to achieve at the moment given you situation and fitness level.

 

Decide to go back and commit to it.

 

Have fun going back. Laugh at challenging moments and find ways to work things out. 

 

Be open to possibilities. Your speed and endurance may not be like before but it can go both ways- not as good or better.

 

Try to search that old beast in you and unleash it gradually. Take confidence in the fact that you've been there.

 

 

As the saying goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Crazy Duo's TBR Dream Marathon stories

Your crazy duo began their crazy adventures at last year's TBR Dream Marathon. 

In Tricia's story below, you'd know more about it. 

We are proud finishers of TBR DM. We had our own challenges and experiences to share that we hope can somehow inspire and motivate those who are part of this batch and others who plan to have their marathons soon.

I think that more than anything, we'd tell you to NEVER FAIL TO ENJOY AND LEARN FROM IT! 

It's between you and the finish line. 

Listen to your bodies, to the people around you and that voice inside you.

We look forward to hearing your stories.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL and CONGRATULATIONS IN ADVANCE!!! CHEERS!!!

---------------

Rey's 

I always say that TBR Dream Marathon will always be one my favorite runs and you will know why  in the story that TBR herself posted on her blog at 

http://thebullrunner.com/2010/06/tbr-dream-stories-reylynne-dela-paz-bib-no-90/#.VOaWZ5ilAUU

Here is an excerpt from that post:

"Although my family was not able to join me in Nuvali, they celebrated with me in finishing my second marathon. It was big deal for them because it proved once again how strong and healthy I am unlike last year when I was suspected of having thyroid cancer. The first quarter of 2009 was one of my darkest moments. As a breadwinner, I dreaded hearing that news that I might have cancer. The fear of who’d take care of my family and all set in. It was also the time when I went through another personal experience that made me so depressed.  

That time, I was drowned with the desire to live and to die at the same time. I went through several tests that weakened my body to rule out the big C. After a few months, thank God it was negative. Thank God I discovered running and got the chance to be part of the first TBR Dream Marathon."

                 

----------------------------

Tricia's

It’s been a year since my first full marathon and my experience was a test of my toughness and endurance.

I signed up for the TBR Dream Marathon because a couple at the gym I go to participated in it.  Just like everybody, I was glued to my Mac when the registration opened and was hoping to be picked as one of the dreamers.

On the day that I received the confirmation e-mail, I promised to start running.  I attended the first two bull sessions. Along the way, I was having second thoughts about pushing through. I mentioned this to Rey during one of our water trainings in rowing then she told me that she would try to help me out.  She joined me in my long runs and even volunteered to be my pacer so that I wouldn’t back out.

Race day

Two nights before race day, I experienced gastrointestinal flu.  I was vomiting every couple of hours.  Rey was telling me that I could choose not to continue as I might get dehydrated and collapse but I remembered telling her that since I already reached that far, moght as well continue.

The first few kilometers was great. We were running steadily and spot on the pace we agreed.  After 5km, I began throwing up and feeling really weak.  It was hard to run a few meters and then pause at the sidewalk to throw up.  Rey was telling me that it was fine to quit and that I shouldn’t push it but I kept telling her that I would finish no matter what.

After 18Km, I was getting a bit better but my right knee popped and locked.  I was crying in pain. I told Rey I’d walk first until I feel that I could run again.  I walked about 10Km until I was finally able to handle the pain of running again.

As soon as I was able to run, I ran until Rey told me to just hang on since the finish line was very near.   I crossed the finish line an hour plus than our target, found out I had a partial tear of my meniscus but I also learned to be tougher in spite the challenges I faced. 

TBRDM opened my world to running and to date, I have finished two full marathons, a 50km trail run and a 65km ultra marathon.

TOP 5 EXCUSES from running or lifting weights

It's all about love yesterday but since we'd like to live up to our blog I.D. we'll go against the flow just like your usual crazy duo.

We'll talk about the things we do not necessarily hate but we don't love as much as one of us does.

I love running. If my body permits, you can leave me anywhere and I'd be happy as long as I'm running. Tricia, on the other hand, loves running too but just enough love, unlike mine which is bordering on obsession, almost the kind of love she has for lifting weights, something I don't always like to do :)

As we mentioned in the intro of this blog, one of the things that makes our site exciting is our many differences. For instance, she has a very strong upper body as a swimmer and I have a stronger lower body as a runner. We are aware that there should be balance that's why we motivate each other to do other work out.

So our daily argument, I mean, conversation would be: I'd invite her to run, she'd motivate me to lift and once in a while we'd try to trick each other so we could open the back door and escape from each other's nagging and still end up in peace after.

Trick is the operative word. hihihi.. ;)

That's what we'd like to share with you in this post with the hope that you'd find it funny as we did when we were drafting this even if they annoyed us during the actual scene.

Note: This does not fall under the "Tips Category" but more under "JUST FOR FUN."


OUR TOP FIVE EXCUSES


Tricia's 


1. Antok ako. Pagod ako. Mas importante ang tulog. Zzzzz...
R: She asks for her precious five minutes for at least three times and then the last one would be a conclusive statement: "tulog na lang ako, ikaw na lang tumakbo. see you later." Tsk!


2. Tumakbo na tayo kahapon, bukas naman, kailangan magpahinga.
R: If this did not work, she'd say: "Diba rest is part of training?" And I'd usually say... "sa bagay."


3. Kailangan ko pumasok ng maaga sa office. Mamaya na lang.. tapos, will work late para di makatakbo.
R: This promise has been fulfilled only in one out of ten cases.




4. Masakit paa ko. Masakit tuhod ko.
R: Nangangati sya, masakit ulo nya, likod, kamay, bangs.. lahat! Haaayy..


5. Umuulan... magkakasakit ako. The weather is so conducive for sleeping. Sabay balik sa tulog.
R: I'd say: "And a perfect weather for a run too." That "ulan" sometimes is just a sprinkle. I felt so fulfilled even if we've not run yet every time I successfully pulled her out of bed when the weather was overcast or it's drizzling.

And if all else fails.. she'd go the galit galitan/ taray route.






Rey's 


1. Masakit likod ko. My scoliosis is acting up. That's bad for my back.
T:  To which I'd reply, "that's why you need to strengthen your back."


2. I'm tired from yesterday's run/ RPM kanina.

T: Akala ko ba gusto mo lumakas?  CROSS-TRAIN.


3. Treadmill na lang ako, mas happy. I need mileage.
T: Puro ka cardio, kailangan mo mag strength train. And when she wouldn't budge, "bahala ka dyan, bugbugin mo ng todo yung tuhod mo."




4. Sige! game! Sabay tayo! Then.. I always finish the routine first and she'd be surprised.
T: Ay bahala ka dyan....


5. I'd go with her in the free weights area. I'd get paraphernalia, do some sets and then.. chika..chika..chika..
T: walk-out na ako sa kanya. hahahaha

And if all fails, I'd do the hypothyroid route. Tsk..tsk..


Most of the time, we end up doing what we need to do- Tricia runs, I lift weights :)

Crazy Duo in MultiSport Philippines website

While your crazy duo are going crazy over the need to rest and not doing anything for more than a month now, we got an invitation from MultiSport Philippines to write about our experiences and reflections that relate to sports.

So for now we'll keep ourselves busy with our work, spending more time with family and friends, following TV series, movie marathons, maintaining this blog, writing, eating, etc. 

Here are some parts of the article:


Tricia's Injury

"The injury was not part of the plan. I never imagined I’d go through this but I’m embracing all of the changes because I believe that there is a good reason behind this. Sports taught me to deal with any situation at hand and to endure. I promised myself that I would work harder as soon as I’m back on my feet. This experience may limit me physically, but it is definitely building my character to be a better athlete and person." 

                           We're not running away, we're facing the challenges head on

Rey's hypothyroidism

"I am a runner but that’s not all that I am. I learned to love my non-running self too. I look at the big picture – of me and of the world where more serious suffering exists and more beautiful things matter."

We're grateful for this opportunity. Hope you enjoy reading.

Here's the link: http://hip.inquirer.net/multisport/a-time-to-cool-off/

Have a nice free day the 13th! :D

SQUASH SPAGHETTI

Since Tricia broke her 5th metatarsal and could not do any work out; and I'm in a "sympathy injury" mode and not moving as well, we decided to manage our diet well to at least delay our weight gain. Of course, we cannot stop eating so the challenge is to take in the right amount of the right food that will not only keep us light but also help both of us recover- Tricia from her injury, myself from hypothyroid.

We came up with a menu that we'd try to stick to. This recipe that we share with you was part of our list.

It's healthy and...oh so yummyyy!!!

Hope you enjoy cooking and... eating!

--------------------------

For your squash "pasta":

INGREDIENTS

1. Squash

2. Salt and pepper

3. Rosemary

STEPS

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Slice squash into two and drizzle squash flesh with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with sea salt, pepper. 

3. Place squash in a roasting pan halves-size down.

4. Cook the squash for 30 to 45 mins. (smaller sizes of squash will require lesser time of cooking)  Once you can pierce the squash easily with a fork, it is cook and can be taken out of the oven.

5. When cool enough to handle, gently scrape squash with a fork to remove flesh in long strands and transfer to a medium bowl. Toss with spaghetti sauce.

For your sauce:

1. Olive oil, onions, garlic, salt and pepper, basil, rosemary.
2. Beef or tuna
3. Carrots
4. Mushrooms
5. Spaghetti sauce
6. Cheese

STEPS

1. Sautee onion and garlic then place your beef or tuna until cooked.

2. Pour spaghetti sauce over sauteed tuna or beef. Mix until it boils. 

3. Place mushrooms, carrots and cheese. Mix until it's sticky.

Enjoy it with your favorite drink. 

For us, it was kefir! 

Yummmyy!

Patient's patience

I admit that I am NOT a patient person.  I’ve always said that patience is one virtue that I don’t have but one week after being told that I broke my metatarsal,  I've been TRYING my very best to let go of being OC.

This ordeal is hard for someone who loves to walk and hates riding in vehicles especially with the traffic here in Makati.  People who know me are aware how I love to go on walks and to work-out; and how independent I am so the past days of learning to ask for help and be in some ways dependent on others have not been easy and maybe the coming months will not be different.

I’ve been learning to let go of petty things like when my stuff aren’t back at their proper place or how I want my kitchen utensils washed.

 There have been days and nights when I cry out in pain even after taking all my medicines  but I am always reminded how great the Lord is and how He has blessed me with so much.  Once the tears begin to fall, I tell myself that things could have been worse; that maybe this difficult time is a time for me learn how to praise my God more.  My mom keeps telling me that my healing is there and I need to claim it and believe. 

My inspiration these days is the Book of Job.  It reminds me that God allows troubles to happen to His children but we can trust Him.  He is faithful. He won’t allow us to suffer more than we can handle. If there is one thing I am most grateful for in this experience, it’s the opportunity to take my relationship with God to a whole new level.

I’m still praying and hoping that one morning I’d wake up with my foot back to normal. While waiting for it, I pray a prayer of gratitude for all the blessings I’ve received. I am assured of the fact that everybody can also experience His faithfulness in a wonderful, unexpected way.

Magic or Crazy? Choose your Kefir drink

You've probably been "hearing" us talk about kefir drink on our social media posts. We can't stop mentioning it and even feature it on this blog.

We love the drink! That's not an exaggeration.

We take it. We sell it. We believe in it. It's not a panacea or your wonder drink that can change your world upside down but definitely an ally in trying to be healthy and strong.

We advertised it and got some orders and just when Tricia and I were buying the ingredients for our customers, we saw another kefir drink being sold at the food court. We didn't know Fruit Magic has decided to produce and distribute it. We got curious so we bought a bottle.

We tried it as soon as we got home and we didn't like the taste. Maybe we're just too loyal with our own product or maybe our taste buds are just different. Maybe others will like it.

We believe in the health benefits of kefir. This is not just a business ploy but we're confident in spreading the word because we'd like to share the good things that we're getting out of it.

You may want to try Fruit Magic's and then try ours too.You can compare the two and choose which one to patronize.

Before you do so, here are a few differences between the two to help you:

Fruit Magic

(1) Ingredients        Sugar, muscavado, lemon drink, water kefir        

                                                                                                                             

(2) Price                   P99.00/ 500ml                      
                          
(3) Availability        You can get at any Fruit Magic branch      
     
(4) Packaging          Commercial                                                        

(5) Lifespan         3 months (According to the sales lady)
                                                                                                              
(6) Taste              Try it!                                                            

--------------------------------------------

Crazy Duo

(1) Ingredients      Water kefir, brown sugar, muscavado, pineapple, lemon, other fruits

                                           
(2) Price             P70.00/350ml or P500.00 for seven 350ml bottles if delivered

(3) Availability  We can deliver at your doorstep :)

(4) Packaging    Homemade

(5) Lifespan     We encourage consumption within seven days for best taste and result. Since
                         fermented, the taste changes in time. We can deliver as soon as you need a set.

(6) Taste           WE CAN PUT OUR NAMES ON THE LINE :)


As we said, you can try both drinks and then decide as long as you give kefir a chance.

For more information about out kefir drink, check our previous post, "Kefir... Your feel good drink." http://xpairified.blogspot.com/2015/01/kefir-your-feel-good-drink.html