How Do I Get Started Running?

I decided to blog about this because for the past week, I've been getting emails through my blog, private messages and wall posts on my Facebook account from readers, friends, and family members everyday asking me for tips on how they can get started with running. After patiently answering each one and sounding like a broken record, I realized it will be wise to just blog about it for easy referral the next time someone asks again. I remember, not so long ago, I was in their shoes and was absolutely clueless. All I knew was that I wanted to run. That said, I guess it all starts with that. With a thought.

On my Facebook account, I always post my running workouts, mentioning anything about running in my status almost every single day, and post pictures of the race events I join. And the main reason for this really is to get my contacts curious. Power of suggestion people! =) This is one of my "styles" to get them intrigued. So much that they'd want to try it out themselves. Later on you will also realize why I want to get others addicted to this sport. It's the good kind of addiction anyway. So there, I am openly admitting it. So if you're one of them that I somehow influenced, put your hands up in the air and say, "Yeah"!!! I guess my tactics worked on you, hehe!


Below are my suggestions to get you started. I am not claiming to be an expert but these are the things I learned through my own experience, advice from seasoned runners, and through research which I did a lot of when I was just starting.

1. Consult your Doctor - I would really recommend getting medical clearance from your physician before starting. Most especially if you haven't been exercising lately, have been sedentary for quite a while, have been diagnosed with a heart problem or any other condition (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), are currently over weight, experience chest pains when exerting yourself, or if you're above 40 years old.

2. Shop for Running Shoes - I'd like to think of this as the fun part. Even if most men are not into shopping, I know they quickly get excited when shopping for their gear. But don't just buy the first pair that catches your attention (take it from me. This was the number 1 mistake I made when I just got started. I got my first pair just coz they were cute and Pink! Duh!).

First, have your gait analyzed at a specialty running store. The salesperson will video record your run on a treadmill. He will then determine if you are overpronating (your foot rolls inward) or supinating (your foot rolls outward) whenever your foot strikes the ground. He will also specify the right size and fit for you. I would recommend going to Secondwind or Runnr. I went to both just to be sure. (for my readers outside of the Philippines, I suggest searching the net). Here they can give you expert advise on which type of shoes are best for your foot type and running style. This is a crucial step for injury prevention and to ensure a comfortable run. Feel free to ask questions and fit the different shoes they recommend to you. Try test running in them on the treadmill as well.

3. Shop for Running Clothes - Yey! More shopping!

SUPPORT: For the ladies, it's important to get a sports bra. Most especially if you are well-endowed. The breasts need to be held firmly in place to minimize bouncing around which is highly uncomfortable. Ouch! Also, if you don't wear one, you are putting yourself at a risk of causing irreversible damage to ligaments in the breast which could cause premature sagging.

For the men, well, all I know is you need something to support the male genitalia. My friends say they don't really use jockstraps. Instead they use compression tights or compression shorts. It holds them firmly to avoid injury. As my male friends would jokingly say, "one must protect the family jewels".

TOPS AND BOTTOMS: You can really run in any type of clothing - baggy shirt, leggings, sweat pants when you're just starting. But personally, I prefer using running tops and bottoms that are really made for running. Wearing the proper stuff does help a lot. The ones that are made of light and breathable fabrics and keeps you dry by absorbing sweat well like those made of Dri-Fit or Coolmax material.

4. Where to Run - When I decided to run one afternoon, I just stepped outside our condo building and ran around our area. Luckily, it was a weekend so there weren't any cars. If you live in a village, then consider yourself lucky. But since I live in a condo surrounded by busy streets, I prefer to run at night around 8pm so as to avoid being hit by a speeding vehicle. Other places where you can run here in Manila are U.P., Bonifacio High Street, MOA and ULTRA.

I will also suggest mapping out your run online. This will also help you determine the distance of your running workout and serve as a guide for future runs. I must admit, it's kindda cool to see how far you ran. Go to www.mapmyrun.com and click, start mapping. Type in your location (ex. Pasig, Philippines) and start mapping. On the right side, there is an option to set it in miles or kilometers. I prefer kilometers. Friends in the U.S. use miles.

6. Stretch and Warm Up - This is very important. You have to do some easy stretching to prepare your body to run. Do so per muscle group. I start stretching from my head, down to my shoulders, back, legs, calves, ankles and feet so I don't forget anything. Hold each position for at least 15-30 seconds. Then after, start walking for 5 minutes as part of your warm-up

Below is a sample of my 14K route that I mapped out using mapmyrun...



7. Your Run Workout - I would suggest the Couch to 5K Running program of Cool Running. You can read about it and save the program HERE. Keep your routes fairly flat and even. This is not the time to run on steep hills. Don't go too fast or too far right away. Believe me, I was once the poster girl of the saying, "too much, too soon". It sucks being injured.


8. Cool Down - Is also as important as the warm up. Instead of preparing your body for exercise, here, you are preparing your body to stop. Picture this, your blood is still pumping madly through your body, you're catching your breath, and you are sweating like a pig to keep your body cool. So, you need to come to a halt gradually. By doing this, you are reducing the likelihood of cramping, muscle spam, and muscle stiffness.

9. Keep Track - It is best to record all your workouts to track your progress. I would suggest signing up at www.dailymile.com. This is like Facebook for runners, walkers, cyclists, swimmers and triathletes. It is also conveniently linked to Facebook and Twitter so you can also share your workouts there if you like. Here, I feel you don't have to screen your contacts. I just add anyone who wants to be in my pool of friends here. Haven't encountered any rude member here. Only ones that motivate. And it helps, really! It's also beneficial to see how others workout so you can get some ideas which you can incorporate into your workout.

10. Cross-Train - On your non-running days, cross-train. Meaning, do some other form of exercise like swimming, yoga, cycling, capoeira or weight training. Cross-training helps strengthen other muscle groups which you don't use when you run and rests your running muscles. This will also avoid you from getting bored or burned out with your running. In the beginning, I wanted to run everyday. A couple of sore muscles and injuries later, I discovered that you really shouldn't.

Ok, I think I've got most of the important stuff covered. This should get you started in no time. Try reading more articles here on Runner's World or at Cool Running. Also, you might want to join us at takbo.ph This is where I met my running "barkada". Check out our forums or shoutbox and for sure you'll learn a lot and meet new friends. Don't be shy. We don't bite. Hehe!

If you have others questions, feel free to just ask me anytime.

Happy Running! ♥.•:*¨*:•.♥


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MY REVIEW: Century Tuna Superbods Run 2010

By the time I started writing this, I have already managed to calm my self down, read Coach Rio's apology, and viewed the race results. No other choice but to accept and embrace the fact that I, and many other runners, were very unfortunate to have had a very bad experience in one of the much anticipated races of the year.


After the Condura Run, the Century Superbods Run was one of the races I was looking forward to because...

1. It will be the first time my fiance (coming home from the U.S.) will be seeing me participate in a race.

2. It is Coach Rio's first leg of his run Trilogy.

3. My running buddy, Carina, will pace me so I can PR in my 10K.


We were there at exactly 5am which is "supposedly" the assembly time for the 10K. Gun start, as posted in their site, was at 5:35am. Like everyone else, you need to be there early to stretch and warm up. Which I wasn't able to do much of because the gun start started 15 mins. earlier than advised.

As Carina and I inched our way into what we thought was the 10K crowd, we were surprised to see that we were amongst 5K runners!!! We started to look around for other runners with the familiar green race bib. We saw two guys and asked them what happened and they said that gun start was early. Panic-stricken, Carina gently reminded me that we're using a time chip so it doesn't really matter what time we start since time is recorded as soon as we step on the mat at the start and finish line. Ok fine. Still, minus points already for this race for starting early than what was told.

So there we were, the 10Kers running with the 5Kers. On our left side we could see numerous 10K runners speeding through. Ok, so we weren't alone after all. On the second corner, marshals were shouting. "10K! Go straight". We did and the 5K runners turned left. And finally, we were separated with 5K runners. Great.

Everything was a-ok from that point. I didn't feel so stressed anymore. That early gun start really threw me off. And I was worried my ankle injury would act up again coz I didn't warm up and stretch very well. But I quickly brushed it off. Nothing can be done. Just shut up and run.

And run I did. Pretty fast than my usual, I'd like to think. Carina pushed me hard. Fought hard to keep up with her. Yes, I am so gonna PR today! That was the goal. I was aiming for 1:05 this time. She had a Garmin so I just waited for her instructions. By kilometer 5, we were right on time. Just 5K more and it's done. "PR! PR! PR!", I was quietly cheering and motivating myself.

For the first time I wasn't listening to any music. I was concentrating more on listening to my breathing and listening to Carina motivate me. I noticed that there were a lot of hydration stations. Even if I never stopped to have any. I thought that was a plus for this race. *clap, clap, clap*!

When we got back on 32nd St. coming from British School Manila, there were some marshals by the corner of 32nd St. and 11th Ave., who were directing us to pass 11th Ave. back to Bonifacio High Street. I already had a feeling the route was wrong but wasn't so sure because I'm not really good with directions to start with. As we were slowly heading back to BHS, we were surprised to see hundreds of runners with the same green race bibs merging with us on 7th street. They had the same surprised look on their faces when they saw quite a number of us coming from another direction as if to say, "Where did you guys come from?!" That was the time I started cursing silently. Just to myself. @#$%^&*!!!! Goodbye PR, goodbye premium 600 bucks race fee! Hello, training run! Minus points again for the race.

So apparently, instead of us going to 11th Ave., we should've headed down 32nd street to Home Depot! I saw the marshals looking at us and they didn't say anything! And there weren't enough markers either. This is what happens when you mess up the gun start.

According to Carina's Garmin, we finished at 52 minutes and only did 7.8 Kilometers. 7 point freakin' 8. That would've been an absolutely superb time if we actually did 10K! (The next day, I was shocked to see the time discrepancy on the race results. It says we finished at 1:13:22! That is totally inaccurate!) Anyway, back to my story...

I wanted to scream and be angry but really fought hard to contain it all. From that point and even hours after, I was telling myself, "It's ok, it's ok". But it wasn't working. Find the silver lining, I also thought so I won't be so pissed. But I couldn't. The loot bags, giveaways, and all the power drinks, protein bars and canned tuna in the world wouldn't appease me.

For me, you cannot mess up gun starts and race routes! Ok, I am still affected. Obviously.

My friends who also ran 10K (their first time) told me their experience and that really pissed me off more. When they were heading towards the same direction (from British School approaching 32nd Street), at the intersection, there were some marshals standing there pointing everyone to go straight and back to BHS, my friends asked them,

Excuse me, saan po yung sa 10K? (Where is the way for 10K?)

Marshals: Ay, dito "nalang" po. ("Just" pass here instead) *pointing to go straight to BHS.

Nalang??? Nalang???!!! There is a "shortcut"? Un-freakin'-acceptable! What the...?! Minus points for the race again. Charge it to the marshals there.

No wonder so many got lost and we ended up following each other into the wrong route. I also remember looking down 32nd street and didn't see any other runners there so it felt right, at that time, to go straight.

Let me tell you readers that I am not one to whine and complain about a race. After each race I usually just lurk around the forums reading through every runner complain about the loot bags, the course, the disorganized this and that, etc. Each race has always been a fun experience for me. The glitches, I let slide. As long as I was able to run and finish. That said, I could never relate to complaints of others before about a race up until now, because I have never had a bad experience in any of the races I have joined since last year.

Like I said in my status on FB yesterday, I don't care how much food, loot bags, you give away after, if there's a finisher's medal or not, if there are enough water stations, etc. That's why I never complained before. But to mess up the gun start and race routes ('coz of under trained marshals and lack or markers) is inexcusable. This is a race. So of all the things to screw up, not those two, in my opinion.

We train 3 or 4 (even more for some) times a week for races such as this. Because we paid more also, so we expected more. To be honest, I could do without the freebies and other things. Ok yeah, there was a long line to get the goodies. So others were upset about this. But for me, I am reacting about what is important to me...TIME. For me, TIME IS GOLD.

Unfortunately, I do not know how to time travel. Therefore, I cannot correct what has been done. It is done. Finished. Finito. (all of a sudden i feel like Jesus dying on the cross). I will have to just charge this one to experience. Let me just say that I admire Coach Rio for the quick statement he posted on his blog and at our forum in Takbo. I think it takes a bigger man to own up to these shortcomings and an even bigger one to take the blame for ALL of it.

Personally, I don't think Coach Rio is to blame. I'm not sure who is to blame, to be honest with you. I just think they spread themselves to thin this time. Imagine having 11,000 plus runners from the original 8,000 that was expected? Wow.

I'd like to end this post on a positive note. Just because I don't enjoy being negative at all to tell you the truth. I just have to say my piece. Not only to rant but also with the hopes of others learning from this not-so-good experience. WE ALL must learn something from this. So, I am including this short open letter to one of the respected coaches here in Manila, Coach Rio.

Dear Coach Rio, If you are reading this, I just want to say that this will not stop me from participating in the races you organize. I still respect you as the fantastic runner that you are and thank you for organizing some of the best races here in our country (your Timex race was my first ever. Very memorable indeed!). I know that you will rise above this and learn from it. I trust and believe that your next leg will be so much better and will make up for the flaws of this last one. Because I know that as a runner, you will push yourself to do better next time. More power to you!

Much respect,

Julie Reyes
a.k.a.
Hotlegs Runner

UPDATE: I found my silver lining! Thank you Rico (Sheerwill) for pointing it out to me: "That group breakfast (after the race) with you and your fiance and the rest of our friends, that was really the good part =)". Thank you, Rico!

Thank you Rodel for this photo =)

More pics HERE. ♥.•:*¨*:•.♥


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My Love Affair with Running

I love to run because...

1. It keeps me fit - At this age, you gotta work hard to maintain a certain weight and waistline! Oh and it helped me shed those unwanted lbs.

2. It keeps me sane - Running is my therapist. Endorphins is my drug. It's a great stress reliever!

3. I meet new friends - holler back takbo.ph peeps! I must've gained 40+ new friends. And these are the same people who are there for me, to motivate me.

4. It gives me a sense of accomplishment - Nothing like challenging one's own self. And maximizing my full potential. I love setting a goal and then push myself to reach it.

5. I get to help - When I join races, it's always for a good cause: Build homes, buy books, save the environment, etc.

6. It's convenient - All I need is a good pair of running shoes and the road. Unlike in swimming where I need to go to a pool or in Tennis where in I need a court. Running you can do anytime, any place. Cool, huh?

7. I get to explore the outdoors - Sometimes I don't even plan a route. I just go where my feet take me.

8. It helped me stop smoking and drinking excessively - Like I always tell people, this is, more often than not, a natural reaction to running. Since you wanna stay fit and want to perform better, you're just motivated to stop smoking and drinking. Well at least for me, that was the case.

9. It's empowering - And at the same time you can motivate and inspire other people. I've already influenced some of my friends (and family members) to start running.

10. I just love to! - It's pretty hard to explain the high that us runners feel after a run. Intrigued by the runner's high? Then you'd have to try it out yourself. To other runners reading this, y'all know what I'm talking about. =)

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day!♥.•:*¨*:•.♥

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My First Half Marathon Experience

Months of training and it was all over in 2:42:20. -- Yep, that's my finishing time for my first ever 21K. I was hoping to do it in 2:30 at least, but again, my ankle (the drama queen) injury prevented me from achieving that time. That's why in my Facebook status I put,

"...it was a painful and humbling experience."

At 2:30 I was just getting off Buendia and up the fly-over to The Fort. My heart sank. I felt really frustrated with myself. I wanted to make it in 2:30 coz most of the other runners I asked said that that was a good time for a first 21K. I did everything I could to strengthen my right ankle during my training. I dunno why it started acting up again. I don't get cramps, shin splits, or even tire easily. Endurance was never a problem for me. It's just always this dumb right ankle and on top of that, my overpronation.

I actually had a lot of issues! At the start of the race, I wanted to pee so badly! This was due to excitement, I suspect. Gail pointed out several portalets to me but I refused to stop. Sayang the time! Thankfully, after 12K, my full bladder miraculously disappeared! I think I was THAT dehydrated!

Another issue was the pain I felt on my upper rib. I was CHAFFING! I carried that stinging pain all the way to the finish line. I did put petroleum jelly, so I wonder why I still chaffed. When I got home, I saw that the first layer of my skin was badly peeled off! Yes, nalapnos sya! When I took a shower I screamed in pain. I think I took my scream two octaves higher, sounding like a freaking banshee!

So, with a full bladder, chaffed skin and bum ankle...I still made it. With God's grace, I MADE IT!

A lot of issues, but I AM HAPPY!

I am happy and proud of myself for finishing the grueling long route albeit injured.



I am happy with my 1096 place. There were still around 500people behind me.

The Official Race Results

I am happy I finished strong and in style. Thanks to my fiancé for the belated Christmas gift (CW-X Stabilyx Tights). You were with me in each stride I made. Literally supporting me! Yihee. =)



I am happy to run along side my takbo.ph friends and pink ladies (Gail and Lally). Unfortunately, I didn't see Noelle and Vicky who were also wearing hot pink. =)

The Pink Pacing Ladies doing a 5-1 Galloway: Me, Gail and Lally

I am happy to be greeted by the same friends at the finish line. Unfortunately, I don't have a pic with Pat and Carina. I just wanna give a special shout out to these two because they really helped me with my training. Patiently answering all my questions and always asking how I'm doing. =)

Takbo ladies (L-R): Tin, Julie P., me, Rona and Yan

Ross, Lauren, Tere, me and James (looking tulala, hehe!)

I am happy I ran for the Dolphins.

I've always loved Dolphins (taken from the Condura run website)

I am happy that takbo.ph organized a support group during the race. I'm proud to say, these are my friends!

Luis (aka gingerbreadman) getting a massage while munching on a banana. San ka pa? Takbo rocks!

I was happy to be greeted by a beautiful sunrise while running the Skyway.

Thanks Suzi for this pic.

I am happy to be able to say to people when I drive on the Skyway, "Hey, I ran here!".

Me and Lally at the Skyway

I am happy that I was able to ice my ankle right away and get a free ice pop. Simple joys.

..and whatdya know..the ice pop matches my shoes! hehe!

I am happy to have my picture taken with running celebrities like Coach Rio and Jaymie (The Bull Runner), who was gracious enough to have her picture taken with us even if she just crossed the finish line and was still catching her breath! She didn't even look like she ran a full marathon! Starstruck much? ...*pic w/ TBR t follow* (Marky, where's my pic?)

Tere and I w/ Coach Rio

And lastly, I am happy that all the other runners were also happy to have finished their first 3K, 5K, 10K, Half Mary, and Full Mary!



Yes, on Feb. 7, 2010 at the Condura Run at The Fort, Bonifacio a lot of dreams came true, goals were achieved, and records were broken. It was a GREAT DAY for everyone!

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