Happy New Year!

It will be a bit difficult to Filipino-nize our New Year's Eve celebration.  You see, it is not a new year without fireworks.  And I am not talking about juust watching the fireworks display.  In the Philippines, we light our own fireworks.  The bigger, the louder, THE BETTER!  Which is mainly why a lot of people are rushed to the emergency room during this time of the year.  And that is why our family stopped doing this for many years now and just light sparklers and blow trumpets and enjoy the fireworks of the neighbors.  By 1am of Jan 1, the whole city is covered in fireworks smoke. cough, cough.  

"Some" Filipino New Year Practices:

1.  Fireworks - They say that the loud noises drive away the bad spirits and bad luck of last years.
2.  Keep windows open - To allow good spirits to enter the house.
3.  Turn on all the lights - For good luck in all areas of the house.
4.  Jump up and down -  This was said to make you grow taller. Uh hello, it certainly didn't work for me!
5.  Wear polka dot printed clothing - Signifies coins/money.  And have coins inside your pockets and make it jingle at the stroke of midnight for good luck.
6.  Have 12 different round and sweet fruits - Having it will bring luck and prosperity.
7.  Pay off all debt and do not spend on New Years Day - Just so you won't have any debt in the coming year.  And spending money on the first day of the year means that you are letting go of money which may cause you to have money problems for the whole year.
8.  Run on the first day of the year - Do this and you will PR in all your races for the year.

And the list goes on....

Ok the last one I just made up. LOL!  How I wish it was THAT easy! :p

Personally, I really don't believe in this but it's in our culture and still practiced by many.  Uh hello...every friggin' year I jump up and down and it didn't work for me! I'm still small.  LOL!  But #7 sounds like a good/practical idea.

I was searching for fireworks display here in California and the nearest would be at the Disneyland Park.  I guess, this new year will be a quiet one for us.  What's important is we're all together.  My parents and siblings are staying with us over the weekend and I started cooking our food yesterday.  Will do more cooking and cleaning today.  Busy day!

Gosh, I can't believe it's gonna be 2011 already tomorrow!  Thank you 2010!  It was an awesome year!  But I believe 2011 will be 100 times better!  I'm claiming it in Jesus' most powerful and mighty name!

Can you believe that a decade has passed since we we entered the millennium?! Wow!
May the next 10 years be the best 10 years for you and your family!

Happy New Year My Dear Bloggy Friends!!! 

3 Things Thursday: Christmas, Ice Skating, & Long Run

I just realized I haven't really posted much since Christmas. Just a gear review/giveaway and a wordless Wednesday post.  And with the New Year fast approaching, my parents staying over for the weekend and celebrating New Year's eve here our place....whew!...I'm gonna be a busy bee!

So just a quick update here...

1.  Celebrated my first Christmas here in the U.S. and I was so happy to have spent it with my parents.  The last time was 8 years ago!  We got home at around 4:30am since we started eating at around midnight for Noche Buena.

Most of the gifts I got were PINK and I got two running/sports-related gift. A Lululemon All Sports Bra and something I will reveal next month. :p

With my dad, step-mom and siblings and "some" of the food we had. =)

Me and my not-so babygirl and me opening presents at 4:30am!

2.  I think Ice Skating can be considered as cross-training, right? Got shin splits though.  Only coz I'm not Kristi Yamaguchi!  I've done this several times before but it's not like riding a bike again, that's for sure!  Mike and I hung on to those corners for dear life!  It was actually Mike's first time and I loved that he was so determined to learn how to skate that he went back in the rink several times.  Mikah, on the other hand, was the expert.  

I finished early coz I remembered I'm scheduled to do my long run the next morning!  AND... I fell on my butt once.  No shame in that! LOL! Mikah even caught it on video but I. AM. NOT. SHARING. IT. :p

Forgive the sucky iPhone photos. 0_0

3.  Ran 14 miles last Monday at 12noon!  The sun was out and I think I ran a little slower than usual because of this.  Every time I would feel warm, I would just think about the crazy heat back home in the Philippines and that seemed to work.  Felt good, no pain in the knees but the calves felt sore after.  That's something new. At least  was able to burn off all the Christmas lbs.

*What's sports/running-related gift did you receive this Christmas?
*Tried any winter sport lately? Which one?
*What did you do to burn of all the food you ate this Christmas?

Wordless Wednesday: Beware of the Dream Busters this 2011!

Gear Review and Giveaway: Moving Comfort Sports Bra (Juno)

If there is one product that I've been wanting to try out and review it's the Modern Comfort Sports Bra.  I have seen other bloggers review this and I was curious to find out if it will be the right one for me.  In fact, I believe that I, and and a lot of other ladies who run, have been in search of the perfect sports bra.

Lemme hear you say, "YEAH!!!", ladies!




Today, I am reviewing the Juno sports bra of Moving Comfort.  This style is featured in the January 2011 of Oprah's O Magazine.

Gravity-defying, super-supportive technical features combine innovation and moderate contouring in this powerhouse racer-back bra. Flattering functional features include:


Seam-free interior molded cups
Moderate-contour shape cups
Bonded neckline, straps, armholes and back opening
Front and back mesh zones
Shaped front adjustable straps with concealed hook-and-loop closure
Adjustable signature keyhole back

Body: aerosilver® Plus 88% polyester / 12% spandex
Mesh: 80% polyester / 20% spandex
Interior Cups: 52% S. Café™ polyester / 48% polyester

My Review

I have worn these 3 times already during my long run, tempo, and speedwork and IT. WAS. AWESOME.

I admit that in the past, I would I wear 2 sports bras to support the girls during my runs.  It works for me but I just feel weird (and a little suffocated) wearing two.   And more often than not, I would find some chafing in the bra line area.  Ouch! But that will no longer be the case since I am now loyal to the Moving Comfort brand. 


What I loved...
1.  The support! It was like I was wearing two bras but I felt more comfortable.
2.  The soft lining on the straps.  Didn't feel like they were scraping or digging into my shoulders.
3.  The soft lining on the bra line.  I did not chafe at all. And I didn't have to put body glide on petroleum jelly.
4.  The shape of the cups since it fully covered everything.
5.  The adjustable keyhole back coz it allowed be to select how tight I want it to be around the bra line.

I cannot wait to try another style.  Or maybe get the same one in another color.  It's very hard for me to decide there are so many styles and colors to choose from!  Check out their site and you'll know what I mean.

Thank you Moving Comfort.  I thank you...and the girls thank you! Hahaha!  The long search is finally over.

Giveaway

Thanks to Julie Campagnoli of Moving Comfort...one lucky reader will win a Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra or a bra of her choice!

Please note that this is open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only. BUT, If you live abroad and want to have this shipped to a U.S. address of a relative or friend, then you are welcome to participate.

I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Jan. 2.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 10, that's 10 entries!

Mandatory:

1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" .  I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry

2.  Visit the Moving Comfort Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry

Extra Credit
3.  Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4.  Follow Moving Comfort on Twitter (@movingcomfort) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6.  Like Moving Comfort on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here.  Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8.  Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry 

Good luck!

Disclaimer:  I did not pay for this Moving Comfort Sports Bra.  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

Zensah Arm Sleeves Winner & This Week's Roundup

I was supposed to announce this last night but I couldn't get in blogger.  Weird. 

Anyway, the winner of a pair of Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves is....

#203 Laura of www.lolasrunning.blogspot.com

Congrats, Laura!  Shoot me an email to claim your prize. =)

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

End of the Week Roundup

Here's a roundup of the week's postings all in one place in case you missed any of them!

• Wanna Run a Sub-2 Marathon?  Or maybe just maybe faster than usual? Check out the video I shared.

• I asked for your opinion last week re marathon #2.  Here's The Decision.

• Sharing our culture - The Filipino Christmas (Part 1): The Decorations.

• Continuation - The Filipino Christmas (Part 2): Traditions, Fiesta & Food.

• The last of 3 parts - The Filipino Christmas (Part 3): The Party Continues.

The Filipino Christmas (Part 3): The Party Continues!

Hope you were able to read Part 2 yesterday.  Pam commented, "I wanna be  Filipino when I grow up!" Hahaha!  But wait, I'm not done yet.  Yes, there's more!  This is the last, promise. =)

CHRISTMAS DAY
So what do we do on Christmas day?  The 24th is obviously a night without sleep since the celebration continues right into the next day.  On December 25, we usually go to the Christmas party of another relative.  These are usually the in-laws.  It really depends.  The Philippines is a small country compared to the U.S., so relatives really live close by.

In our case, we go to my grandparents' house.  The party starts at lunch time of Dec. 25, and lasts until about midnight.  We eat MORE FOOD, play games, we sing, and the children are asked to perform like they're on a talent show.  So if you can sing, dance or play an instrument, the better.  Because if the older people love it, you get more money! Hahaha!

My cousin playing his guitar while my grandfather listens sleeps. Hahaha!

and my grandmother handing out envelopes of money to us. Yey! 

my grandparents playing a game with us..and both of them hugging after they won! Sweet, no? That's me laughing in the background!

Oh yeah, before I forget, Filipino runners also have a Christmas tradition known as the Noche Buena Run.  I did that yesterday.  Did some speedwork actually so I didn't feel any guilt eating so much food during our Noche Buena meal.  Woohoo!

Well, that's about it.  Hope you enjoyed reading all three parts of the Filipino Christmas as much I enjoyed telling you about it.  Our cultures may be different but in many way, they are almost alike, right?  And at least now you know, that if a Filipino invites you to their party (Christmas or any other gathering) prepare yourself by not eating the whole day.  You'll need the space in your tummy for all that grub.  LOL!

I'll be missing my family in the Philippines since this will be my very first Christmas here in the U.S.  And for sure, I'll be posting all about my Filipino-American Christmas soon! =)

My Reyes Family (All the cousins w/ our Grandparents).  Can you find me?  Look for the legs! LOL!

We may be miles away from our motherland, but we still make a conscious effort to celebrate this special occasion the Filipino way. But with some western touch as well.  =)

What are your special family traditions during the holiday season?

From my family to yours....

Maligayang Pasko sa Inyong Lahat 

(Merry Christmas to All of You!)!!!

The Filipino Christmas (Part 2): Traditions, Fiesta & Food!

I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of The Filipino Christmas which I posted yesterday regarding how we extravagantly decorate our homes during this season.  Jason says he can see our decorations from where he's at.  He's from Dallas and I'm from California. LOL!

Anyway, for Part two I will talk about some unique Filipino Christmas traditions and what we do on Christmas eve.

One thing our nation enjoys during this season is the many days of NO work.  Plus we receive a Christmas Bonus.  Hooray for holiday paycheck!

That being said, this is also the season when godparents hide from their god kids.  Ok this is a running joke for us.  Coz this is the time when we visit our godparents (and elderly relatives).  Then the Godfathers/Godmothers (called, Ninongs/Ninangs) traditionally give money (yes, moolah!) which we call "aguinaldo",  to their god kids.

In our country, it is normal to have a LOT of god kids.  I have a dozen!  The photo you see below is a child taking an elders hand and putting it on his forehead which is a sign of respect called, "mano".  We also do this to our godparents.  Sadly, it is a dying practice in the modern Filipino household. =(

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney sits on the pavement as a boy shows his sign of respect by making "mano" during a Christmas gift giving ceremony 

THE START
We are proud to say that our Christmas celebration is the longest and probably merriest in the world.  It begins on December 16 where Catholics attend the first of nine early morning (pre-dawn) masses called, "Simbang Gabi" (night mass) and continues daily until the first Sunday of January which is the Feast of the Three Kings. And that is the official end of the season.  Told you it was long! ;p

CHRISTMAS EVE
Today, I will be busy preparing some dishes for our "Noche Buena".  Yes, we are celebrating this joyous occasion Filipino style but with American food.  That sounds fair, right?


So what is this Noche Buena?  Accoding to wikipedia...

Noche Buena often translated as "Good Night", is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Custom in Spain, Cuba, the Philippines and Latin America, the evening consists of a traditional dinner with family.

As tradition dictates, every December 24th, we attend a Christmas Eve church service (or Misa de Gallo for Catholics).  This happens before midnight.  Then, we proceed to the relative's house (often our parents' or grandparents' place) hosting the eve's dinner.  This is an open celebration where relatives, friends, even neighbors are welcome to attend.  Parteeeehhh!!!

FOOD
It's best that you have a "light" snack earlier so as not to ruin your appetite for dinner.  Because...if there's something us Filipinos are known for, it is the ridiculously OVERWHELMING amount of food we serve when we get together.  I mean seriously!  If you've attended a Filipino Christmas Party here, you now what I'm talkng about.  We aren't called "Land of the Fiestas" for nothing!  Even if it's just a small gathering, simple appetizers just don't quite cut it.  There has to be at least 1 or 2 main courses, some pasta, dessert, etc.!  So can you just imagine what it's like at a Filipino home during Christmas Eve/Day?

Can you spell feast?

TADAAAA!!!! This is not an exaggeration. Actually, this photo doesn't give the Filipino buffet much justice.  There is actually a lot more food than this!

Often on the table are: lechón (roasted pig), pancit, fried chicken, hamon (ham), quezo de bola, arroz caldo, lumpia, rice, and adobo among others for the main course. Desserts include ube halaya, bibingka, rice cakes, puto bumbong, ice cream, pastries and cakes; drinks include hot chocolate, coffee, soda, wine, beer, and different kind fruit juices. - wiki

Look at that photo above once again and think of me whispering this to you.... 

"THAT is the reason why I need to continue training during the holidays!"

GIFTS

Right after dinner, when it's midnight, we greet one another a Merry Christmas and start handing out gifts and opening them (to the delight of the kids!).  Yes, we can't wait until Christmas morning.  Haha!  Usually the family hosting the party hands out the gifts while we eagerly wait for our names to be called.  Yes, I still get excited over this at 37 years old! ;p


So that's how Christmas is like for us between December 16 to December 24 (Christmas Eve).   Now, Christmas Day is another story.  I'll be posting the last part of The Filipino Christmas tomorrow. 

It's gonna be crazy out there today so please be safe. =)

The Filipino Christmas (Part 1): Our Decorations

Hello bloggie friends! Only 2 days before Christmas!  Woohoo!  It will be my first here in the U.S.  I am very excited but at the same time missing being in the Philippines during this time of the year.

Allow me to share with you how we celebrate our Christmas back home.  Should you plan a trip to our country, I suggest you do it during this season.  Believe me when I tell you that there is nothing like Christmas in the Philippines.  Trust me on this one.  We have the longest Christmas celebration but will get to that tomorrow when I post Part 2.

You see, Christmas is a HUUUUGE event for us Filipinos.  It is the most anticipated event of the year.  Maybe because we are a nation of believers of our Christ Jesus and this is the day we celebrate His birth. 

So how do our people celebrate this joyous event?

Today I will talk about our decorations.

Christmas decorations and lights are abundant and beautifully displayed on main roads and in EVERY home.  They are usually up by early November.  Some put theirs up even earlier!  Yes, the longer the better.  We DO like to enjoy our Christmas decors.  There's something about coming home to a well-decorated place.  Makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Photos of our home in Manila during Christmas

 Some Filipino homes during Christmas.  Less is more? No way! The more the merrier! 

We sure LOVE our decorations!

As you can see, we do have Christmas trees (but not fresh pine ones like here in the U.S.), Santa Claus and we also have "parols" outside. 

The parols symbolize the star of Bethlehem which guided the 3 Kings to the baby Jesus. They can be seen on the windows or doors of every Filipino home, offices, schools, malls and on the streets. 

Below you can see the different kinds.  The modern parol is the most dazzling kind because of the twinkling and blinking bulbs that illuminate the parol.  These are exported to other countries and are even sold here in the U.S. but of course, it comes out more expensive.  If you see one hanging out their homes here, it's highly possible that a Filipino resides there. =)

 The traditional parol made of bamboo sticks and Japanese paper

 The modern and more elaborate parol made of capiz and with blinking (almost blinding, haha!) lights

Well, that's it for today.  Hope you come back tomorrow to read Part 2 and see how we celebrate Christmas eve.  THAT, you wouldn't want to miss. =)

Marathon #2: The Decision

Last week I asked for your opinion regarding moi doing my second marathon just two months after my first.

I'd like to thank everyone who voted (there were a total of 50!) and left their words of wisdom on my comments section of that blog post.  I am thankful for those who encouraged me and as well as for those who warned me about doing it too soon.  It was ALL very appreciated.  It's truly nice to hear both sides.

I now know what to do and I just want to share the things I did to help me come to my decision.

1.  I asked for the opinion of my blog buddies (that's you!) and my other runner friends from Manila.

2.  I prayed about it.  I asked Him to guide me and I asked for a clear sign.

3.  The clear sign would be my long run last Monday.  I ran 12 miles (which was my longest since my marathon early this month).  I said, if I didn't experience any pain, fatigue or any kind of discomfort (which is usually the case), it is a sign for Him (and my body!) that I should do marathon #2.


So what was my decision?

3 days ago, I registered for my second marathon, Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, CA slated on February 6, 2011.

Woohoo!

I have done 3 runs since I posted my poll and I've been feeling really good!  In fact, during my long run last Monday and my 6 miler yesterday, it rained!  I felt so hardcore doing so, but I was shaking like a leaf when I got home.  So much for feeling hardcore.  Haha!  Luckily, I didn't get sick AND.... my daughter is off school so she made some hot cocoa for me.  Sweet! =)

I'm not expecting much for my second marathon.  Just hoping that it will also be a perfect experience just like my first.  Oh and a "little" PR won't hurt too. ;p

When is you next marathon/race event?

Gear Review and Giveaway: Zensah Arm Sleeves

I broke one of the important rules when running a marathon...

"Never wear, eat or try something new."

I did this with the Zensah arm sleeves...

The Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves is ideal for any sport. These Compression Arm Sleeves will keep blood flowing to your muscles, keeping them warm and loose so you can perform at your maximum level.

These compression arm sleeves have a second-skin feel which makes them the most comfortable compression arm sleeves out there. They are made with a seamless design and ergonomic fit which increases circulation for maximum performance.

Zensah has created the best compression arm sleeves that can be worn as running, basketball, baseball, softball, cycling, triathlon, and football arm sleeves.

Benefits of Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves Design:

* Graduated Compression - Increases circulation and oxygen blood flow, preventing the forearm muscles from becoming tight and therefore helping to reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

* Pin-Point Compression - Direct support at the exact source of pain for elbow injuries such as Elbow Tendonitis (can be worn as Elbow Sleeve)

*Provide protection from sun. The Zensah compression arm sleeves shield and protect arms from harmful sunrays while the silver ions are thermal regulating, keeping the arms cool by wicking away perspiration with protection of UPF 50+

My Review

What I did was not a very wise but I'm happy to report that I experienced no problems when I wore this for the first time at the Rock n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon.

It took me a while to decide on a color since they have 12!

I got the black in S/M and they fit my arms perfectly.  I'm glad it didn't create a bulge around the armpit area!  As you can see, I am also wearing compression tights.  Anything that can suck it all in and support the muscles of my body, I love and NEED. 

Normally, during long runs, I would experience some soreness on my arms for being in the same L-shaped position for hours.  But not this time.

The fabric wasn't too thick, nor was it too thin.  It was just right.  The seamless, ultra-breathable and lightweight material also kept me warm during the first few miles so I ended up just wearing (and throwing away) two top layers instead of the planned 3.

Thank you Zensah for being one of the many reasons why my first marathon experience was absolutely wonderful and completely pain-free!

Giveaway

Thanks to Suzanne Kerpel of Zensah...one lucky reader will win a Zensah Arm Compression Sleeves!
Please note that this is open to U.S. and Canadian Residents only. BUT, If you live abroad and want to have this shipped to a U.S. address of a relative or friend, then you are welcome to participate.

I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Dec. 26.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 10, that's 10 entries!

Mandatory:

1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" .  I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry

2.  Visit the Zensah Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry

Extra Credit
3.  Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4.  Follow Zensah on Twitter (@zensah) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6.  Like Zensah on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here.  Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8.  Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry 

Good luck!

Disclaimer:  I did not pay for these Zensah Compression Arm Sleeves.  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

Winner Announcement: PSE Bull Run 2011 Race Kit Giveaway

The 3 lucky winners of the PSE Bull Run 2011 Race Kit Giveway are...

#46 Cris,  #11 Suzi, and #13 Daei

Congratulations!!!

Shoot me an email within the next 2 days.  If I don't hear from you within the next two days,  sorry but I will need to select another winner.  I will forward your email to the awesome peeps of PSE.  They will contact you directly and then you can pick up the kits at their Ayala office.  =)

Thanks to everyone who joined this giveaway! 

UPDATE

#46 Cris has not claimed his prize within the alotted 2 days so I'm giving the third race kit to...

#30 Cris Maniquez