Trilogy complete!

Last Sunday was RunRio Trilogy’s last installment of this year’s Unilab Run United. I was excited as majority of Team Alpha1 will be running the afroman distance (32K), some gunning for PRs, and some going for their first official 32K race.

I was at the event early for the 10K run. This year RunRio decided to have all the race categories in 1 day, unlike how he organized it last year when he divided it between Saturday and Sunday.

It went smoother than I thought it would be, and tolerable in terms of space (given the claustrophobic that I am), perhaps because he held it at the MOA grounds, which is wider and bigger than the Fort.

Noticeable that among the 32, 21, 10,5 and 3k categories, the 10 and 5k runners dominated the crowd – and I was part of that. The race started on time, Rio has probably already perfected this, and I’d say there were ample water stations along the road. One thing I really suffer of when I run MOA, is the smell of the Manila Bay, and the area near the SeaSide (dampa). I don’t know if it’s me — because I know some runners who don’t really seem to mind — but I just always almost pass out running this side (enhanced smelling abilities?! haha).

This is my 4th 10K attempt this year in my mission to go back in shape. For a slightly long distance of 10.2 (some registered 10.3), I clocked 1:30:05 net (1:29:27 at 10kms exact).  Super slow right? Although I was still happy, since I couldn’t run the whole week to train, and I didn’t go beyond the 1:30 mark. I need to train hard for my next 10K race at QCIM where my 2010 record there is 1:18. Impossible I think? haha!

Thank you Jpeg Mendoza for this action shot!

Near the finish

Overall I give this event 4/5 purpletops. Good job, again, RunRio!

After the race, the team waited until we were complete and all showered at Fitness First MOA before the most awaited Pacman-Dinamita boxing match. We were going to watch it at SM MOA, good thing we reserved seats as tickets were sold out!

But of course, we won’t ever skip breakfast. New discovery, delish and cheap food at Dennis The Grill Boy mall of Asia. Super cute wall comic strips and I really like their cartoon character. Super cool pinoy style!

Dennis The Grill Boy - MOA

Loving the cute background!

Here are some snapshots with the team, welcome Byron!

Take 1

Take 2

And of course, the team headed towards the cinemas to watch the bout – you all probably know who “clearly” won.

Go Manny!

Hats off to Marquez for a great counter-punch boxing match. It could’ve been a better one, but still, Manny brought pride to the Philippines, again!

It was a superb Sunday to end the week. Well, bummer that I caught fever, but only took me a few paracetamol tablets and vitamin c capsules to recover. Ciao!

Flashlights

It was my third 10K attempt this year after I got back to running more than 5Ks again. I have been somewhat depressed with my laziness in running anything more than that. I remember nearly not finishing the Robinsons Buddy Run, and walking my way to the finish line at the Nike We Run Manila.

Its becoming more depressing for me as I want to enjoy my Standard Chartered 10K run in HK. I registered for a slow time of 1:20 as an expected finish, but I am not at all near that range as my last two 10K races were at 1h 40m and 1h 39m respectively.

It was a drizzling night come the Energizer Night race, so I was actually hesitating on running. I couldn’t afford to get sick, well not at this time of the year when I’m too busy at work. Though at the back of my mind I wanted to prove myself to at least finish at 1hr 30mins. It would drive me back to training. I found myself at the gym 3 times the week before, and ran 4-5-3 kms on each day at my target pace.

The morning of the race I was suffering from from delayed onset muscle soreness after FFS gave me some drills at the gym that killed my quads. I just couldn’t move. I don’t know how a 10 minute work out felt like a 5K PR run. Amazing.

I guess all that soreness and right mindset to get my drive back worked, because FFS paced me to a 1hr 26min 45sec finish net. I know it’s still far from average but its 14 minutes better than previous, so I was happy. Thank you FFS!

Below are some photos from Ms. Mars of PinoyFitness:

With Ms. Mars of PinoyFitness

Alpha1 Pose

FFS and I loved the event overall. It was very well organized, it felt festive, there were a lot of participants but crowd was controlled well. There were a lot of photobooths which I’m sure the runners loved, and awesome prod numbers before the race started. Last but not the least the flashlights at the runners’ heads looked amazing, it was so nice to look at from a distance. Very unique. Not bad at all, Energizer!

Taken from Energizer PH FB Page

I’m giving the event 4/5 purpletops. Almost perfect but of course I noticed some cons. I won’t mention them anymore as I think they vary on preference, but in totality this is an excellent event and worth the registration fee.

The year that it was…

It’s almost end of the year, and I hope you will agree that a lot of surprises happened this year in the world of Tennis. New grand slam titlists went home with their trophies, and I couldn’t be more proud that 2 female champions from the Asia Pacific went home with their 1st ever grand slam titles.

Sad that while I was gathering the photos, I only got to see both my all time loves MaSha and RF once in the 8 photos and both holding runner-up trophies. But not bad right? Roger Federer so far stands with an ATP Record of 46-12 (majority won at the hardcourt), ranked 4th in the world and has won one tournament in 2011, at the Qatar Exxon Mobil Open. Maria Sharapova on the other hand has had a better year, with a WTA Record of 43-11 (majority won on hardcourt & claycourt surprisingly – she’s not known to be a slider), ranked 2nd in the world and has won 2 tournaments in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and the Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open.

Looking at the line up of the Grand Slam Champs this year, it only proves that the ball is round. It was the end of the Rafa-Roger era where they would just switch turns in winning grand slams. I’d say this year is Novak Djokovic’s. He won 3/4 grand slam titles this year 2011 and has claimed the ATP world number 1 spot. Good job Nole! One observation – he didn’t win at the clay this year, if not it could have been a Golden Slam. This was the same dilemma that Roger had in his reign. He was just unsuccessful to win the French Open when Rafa was around. On the other side of the fence, notice how our WTA World #1 Caroline Wozniaki still hasn’t won a grand slam title. Will next year be a better year for our Danish tennis player? And last but not least, don’t you find it surprising how the Williams sisters dropped low in the WTA rankings, but just before the year officially closed, Serena was able to grab a RunnerUp trophy at her home in Flushing Meadows? It was so unpredicted that it made the World Tennis all the more a lot of fun!

Here’s a summary of the year that it was, after the 4 glorious grand slam tournaments have ended:

Australian Open – Women (January 2011)

Champion - Kim Clijsters (BEL); RunnerUp - LiNa (CHN)

Australian Open – Men (January 2011)

Champion - Novak Djokovic (SRB) ; RunnerUp - Andy Murray (GRB)

French Open – Women (May 2011)

Champion - LiNA (CHN); RunnerUp - Francesca Schiavone (ITA)

French Open – Men (May 2011)

Champion - Rafael Nadal (SPA); RunnerUp - Roger Federer (SUI)

Wimbledon – Women (June to July 2011)

Champion - Petra Kvitova (CZE); RunnerUp - Maria Sharapova (RUS)

Wimbledon – Men (June to July 2011)

Champion - Novak Djokovic (SRB); RunnerUp - Rafael Nadal (SPA)

US Open – Women (September 2011)

Champion - Sam Stosur (AUS); RunnerUp - Serena Williams (USA)

US Open – Men (September 2011)

Champion - Novak Djokovic (SRB); RunnerUp - Rafael Nadal (SPA)

Congratulations to all the Grand Slam Champs this year, you all gave me a lot of excitement, reason to watch TV, eye bags, and lots of good stuff! I look forward to another awesome Tennis year 2012.

My summer loves!

WARNING: Chick-inspired blog post ahead! Attention: All male readers, read at your own risk.

This post is a tribute to my sun shades. I don’t know why but I just felt like giving them a review today:

Nike Lunge Women’s Sunglasses
Bought in 2009, after seeing Maria Sharapova wearing it in a poster (for real!)

I’d give these shades 4 out of 5 purpletops for comfort and as it is very lightweight (well due to the fact that it is made of plastic)! The rubber ventilated nose bridge is also a favorite feature, it doesn’t leave marks in your nose after using it. The price wasn’t too high as well. Just right. I bought the gold one as it’s exactly what I saw in the poster, but I know it was also available in black and berry colors. This is also a very memorable pair as I wore them at my first half marathon (21K) run last year, 2010. I finished it too slow that the sun was already up! LOL.

Oakley Crosshair Women’s Sunglasses
Bought in 2010, after seeing it in an optical store I just couldn’t get my hands off of it

I‘d give these shades 5 out of 5 purpletops! My favorite pair so far in my whole life. I feel sad that it’s lenses has started to chip off after a while, but I am guilty for not wiping beach water off immediately and for putting it on my head! Nevertheless it’s my favorite pair and I’m still hoping Oakley would still manufacture lenses for it. I love and bought the berry (purple-y) color and the way it looks so girly and sporty at the same time. A little heavy as it is made of metal, but worth the burden of wearing it just to look good! haha!

Oakley Compulsive Squared Women’s Sunglasses
Bought in early 2011, looking for a sporty shades, bought out of frustration when my crosshair lenses started to chip

I’d give these shades 3 out of 5 purpletops. The least that I like but still good. Plus features would include – lightweight, deceiving to be glass with metal sides, but it’s all plastic. I didn’t like the fact that it was so bulky to cover due to it being bigger in size. Since it’s also plastic and super light, it easily got distorted, or maybe I’ve squished it too much inside the box. When I wear it though I do like it’s sporty look, plus the cute little details at the sides of it. And again, the color is berry (as it was a bought-out-of-frustration-pair)!

Ray Ban Aviator (RB3025 001/3E)
Bought in 2011, out of curiosity (impulse buying)

I’d give these shades 4 out of 5 purpletops (so far). Most classic from my shades collection. It has an Arista (semi-gold) frame, in pink gold gradient mirror lenses. I think it is a very “girly” version of the Aviators line up. Comfort wise I’d say so-so, it always leaves a mark at my nose or maybe the nose bridges are just too tight. I feel the weight of it (being metal) compared to the other shades I wear. Plus side though – I love them when driving, I don’t feel dizzy at all. It is also the easiest to pair with any type of clothing, plus the color I picked is very neutral, so suits a lot of colors in my wardrobe!

One realization – I always buy my shades around the colors of Gold/Berry/Pink/Light brown tones. I wonder if I should get a black pair soon? Maybe next year. On the side, I’d like to thank my eyewear sponsor (whom I chose not to name) for the past 3 years. Hehe! I thank you in advance for my new pair in 2012!

Run at your own risk

The Nike-We Run Manila is probably one of the most awaited events in 2011. I remember it being a “top-secret” event early on this year when the race calendars have been sent out by running magazines and websites. If I am not mistaken this is officially the first year that we are recognized as a city by Nike to take part into their previously called “Nike Human Race” runs. Forgive me if my history is not at all correct – and feel free to drop me a comment to give me the right details!

We were probably one of the few who registered early, and was happy with the cost of the registration fee.  I had to pay 650 pesos for a 10K registration kit (registered with a buddy) that includes a Nike branded dri-fit shirt which I like, a Nike water bottle, and a Nike running shoe/s USB which will be delivered to all the finishers. That makes the registration fee worth it, right?

I had high expectations and honestly very excited of this event. I know that Nike would go all out on budget to make this one of the biggest events of the year. Given that there were only 8,000 runners in the event, it never crossed my mind that it would be more difficult to run. We’re all used to RunRio races with over 20,000 participants. I discounted the fact that all 8,000 registered runners will be running the same course – 10K.

A day before the event I was already reading status updates and traffic advisories in FaceBook and read that heavy traffic is expected from 2 hours before the gunstart. Because of this FFS and I decided to be in the area as early as 2:30 PM to get a good parking space and to have lunch.

Goofing around at Pancake House BHS

We noticed that more people came to BHS, all wearing the Nike We Run Manila singlet, and it was looking too cute! We went to Fitness First to sit down for a while, as the sun was up that time and it was HOT! I was contemplating on wearing my shades while running or not – but thought after all it wouldn’t be a good idea as it’d be dark when I finish anyway.

Loosening up

Dunno what he was doing here

We headed to the starting line at about 4:30 PM. It was a short walk from ROX to the start area which was near Mercato Centrale. RunRio decided to place the event area/stage and tents away from the busy city (BHS, Fort Strip) as not to cause too heavy traffic that night. We all know how crowded the Fort could get on Saturday nights. At that time I wasn’t already that comfortable as the event was right beside a construction site, grass area, scattered tents, and so on. I was imagining how it would be like at night when it gets dark. I was just hoping that there will be ample light.

It was already close to gunstart, but the starting area definitely could not accommodate all 8,000 runners, so some opted to wait outside, but those who were gunning for PRs seem to have crowded the first few lines – FFS included.

Race started on time though I heard that even after the 5:20 PM starting cut-off, a lot of runners still were not started. At that point I was already realizing that it was a “Run for Pasig River” type of event. I couldn’t run that much at all. Good for those in the lead pack, the crowd isn’t as big, but for those running the 7 pace and slower, it was a totally different story.

I was running/jogging for as much as I could during the first 5 kilometers. There’s a runner occupying every square meter of the road, so it was too difficult to move or to increase your pace. The course had too many turns and many times they would merge with runners already going back (with no line, cone or whatsoever to separate!). I know I saw some who did not finish the entire course. It would also get more crowded near the water stations, as they were just pouring fluid into the cups when runners came near (maybe only those of us at the tail end experienced this). It then got darker closer to the finish line and I was already seeing people tripping because they bump into the cones, or shoot their feet into potholes as there were no lights at all. I feel sorry especially seeing some of the ladies wearing short shorts and scarring their knees! It’s really running at your own risk. There were also areas where it was complete darkness, especially at the last 1km or so.

I finished with a time of almost 1hr and 40mins (imagine!), with a Garmin distance of 10.18 KMs. This is about the same time I clocked in during the Run for Pasig River, because of the large crowd. I’d think even meeting up with friends after the race was nearly impossible. You need a cat’s eye to recognize someone from a sea of red/dark orange. Good thing FFS found me and took some photos (so malinaw pa siguro mata nya!).

Where am I?

Claiming my drinks and poster - no USB!

Very cute Nike balloon

Overall I’d give this event 3 out of 5 purpletops . I feel Nike could have done better in this event. However, as it is the first time, I’m still hopeful that next year it will be better. Some great feedback were passed on to the event organizers, including how terrible the baggage counter was, and I know they will listen. Rest assured I’ll join again next year if there will be a version 2 (much prepared and with more accurate expectations), and of course I look forward to more surprises from Nike!

Eat and Run

It was an Eat and Run Saturday & Sunday weekend. Last October 8th, one of the members of Team Alpha1, Pandesal Runner Jayson was married to his lovely wife Nerissa. The team went all the way to Silang, Cavite to witness this very special event.  Thank you Jayson for having us share that special day with you and Neri, and also for the food – they were to die for! With living in a city for so long, anyone would rarely eat menudo, adobo, lechon, buko salad, ube halaya, leche flan and all that. I surprised myself by eating a full plate! Happy me. BUURP. haha! I missed going to simple weddings where you could move around and have fun, whereas in formal weddings you can only move so much with your long tube gown, careful not to ruin your outfit.

Here are some photos of the wedding:

At the church

Bride's home for the reception

I’m sure the team had loads of fun. After the wedding we all went to Greenbelt 3, initially to watch a movie but ending up just shopping – err…for Jesy’s running shoes. After the shoe scavenger hunt, we stayed at Seattle’s best to rest for a while before we all headed home.

Sunday race day came and the boys of Team Alpha1/Alpha1Max were all ready for the October Running Festival. It was a not-so-sunny morning, great for running, only that it rained for about 10 minutes halfway through my course. I think running in the rain is not a bad thing at all, it helped keeping me energized. The unfortunate thing was that I brought my camera (not waterproof) along with me so I had to look for the next 7-11 branch to ask for a small plastic and wrap it up, or else bye-bye digicam!

I certainly enjoyed yet again, another 5km event, and Team Alpha1Max finished very strong with an average of 1:40:12 with 25 men who ran the 21k category. Good job guys!

Here are some event photos as I have promised:

Before the gunstart

Team Alpha1Max

with Coyote and SpeedyG - not in uniform! :p

Men in uniform

May sumingit..haha!

Overall, I think MLB Road Race Specialists did a great job again managing a simple event for all 5k, 10k, and 21k runners. There were some things that they can improve on the 25-man Team category for 21K, which the organizers have agreed to implement next year. The best thing that happened in this event is that despite the unfortunate events that may have happened, they listened to our feedback and are willing to learn from it.

For that I’d still give them 4 out of 5 purpletops for this running event.

Congratulations to all the finishers!

Alpha1…MAX!!!

Hi everyone!

Please do support our team this Sunday, October 9th at the OctobeRun Philippine Running Team Championships!

Official Logo

They claim to be the underdogs of the race competing against groups who have already proven themselves in team events, but for me, what the heck?

What matters and what I like most about this team is that they always stay HUMBLE. They are BROTHERS, win or lose and FRIENDS, on and off the road.

I am with you all the way, guys! Will cheer you on, goooo!

PurpleAlpha supports!

Throwing out 5/5 purpletops for the team!
Will make sure to post photos after the race. XOXO!

kathy *:-)

Running home

The event of the year!

Who would’ve thought that I will be going home this year, because of a running event rather than plain vacationing? None. It’s been years since I got to see Bicol, the place where I grew up, not necessarily the exact same town, but in the same environment, same language, same food. I really felt excited when I knew that the team was flying to Naga for the CamSur Marathon 2011.

The team arrived at the Naga City Airport on September 24th, a day before the event. We were welcomed with bands, given floral lays and a lot of smiling and friendly people. Free shuttle vans were also provided for those going to CWC. Feeling “artista” I would say, but it couldn’t be entirely a lie as we had celebrities aboard the same AirPhil flight. We had Rovilson Fernandez, Tessa Prieto, Ex-PBB Housemates, and so on.

CWC Wakeboarding

Honestly it was my first time in CWC. I am not a water sports type of person as I don’t know how to swim! Major frustration#1 for me. I was excited with the trip for the event and going back home, even though we know that the main attraction there was wakeboarding, and perhaps swimming afterwards.

CWC pool

On our first day the team just relaxed, slept, walked around the place, and had an early dinner at the Triboo Grill. It was a BBQ place, not too fine but okay, the food was so-so, we all had Chicken Barbeque, and I know that the team has lots to say about their “buko shake”. While we ate, we enjoyed the background music of Old Filipino Songs (really?) until the waiters have probably heard us whining and played Justin Bieber afterwards.

Famous "nyaaaw" resto

Race day came, and everyone was excited! Shuttle services were provided for those in CWC heading to different starting lines for 42k, 21k, 10k, 5k and 3k runners. Good thing the 5 and 10ks were starting at the same place so I had Maddy with me at the starting line. Thank God for the beautiful weather! Here are some snapshots post race.

With 21km finisher FFS

With Maddy

Near the center stage

It was a great run. I know everyone enjoyed the new route, with a lot of Bicolanos watching at the side of the roads cheering us on whether they comment “amerikano”, “guapo”, “artista”, and so on haha! Team Alpha1 gained additional fans? Pwede. I also felt at home as I was even understanding what the people in the sidewalks were commenting/saying in their native language. Last but not least, gathering at the finish line is always something the team looks forward to!

When our last team member has crossed (guess who? haha), we all headed back to the Dwell Houses and relaxed. Some slept, some took a shower, but Bry and I were going somewhere to meet 3 super special people that I love! <3

Basilica Penafrancia

We met up with my beautiful highschool buddies, Zet (with her hubbie Ton) and Edz. It’s been months since I last saw them. Missed my girls! We went to the Basilica Penafrancia, ate at Red Platter in Magsaysay Avenue, and stayed in Starbucks for some catching up (Maybe “some” is an understatement).

Starbucks Naga

Later in the afternoon the girls had to leave back to Daet, my home town which is about an hour or so away, so I had to say bye. I had SOOO much fun ladies, there’s never a dull moment with you girls! Thanks for giving FFS an aero-scare! haha! They sent us back to CWC and we then had to prepare for a dinner celebration with the team – last night in CamSur!

We ate at Bob Marlin in Magsaysay Avenue, and it was delish! Team feasted with Crispy Pata, Sisig, Bulalo, Bicol Express, Sizzling Blue Marlin Steak, and a lot more! YUM! BUUURP!

Bob Marlin Naga

After dinner, some of us needed a push so we went to Starbucks for some coffee, before we headed to a restobar for some drinks. Coffee before alcohol is a habit that’s popularized by our team mate Jesy “SprintingSwine” Cruz. haha!

When the team got back to CWC later that night, or should I say morning, the rain was already pouring so hard. None of us even knew that a typhoon was coming. PAG-ASA already hoisted a signal # 2 at CamSur that night, but we were all still hoping that our flight is a go the following day.

To shorten what happened next? Signal #3 the next day and all flights cancelled. Team had to book a bus home at night, so there were plenty of time for the boys to wakeboard in the afternoon. Worked for their advantage!

Team Alpha1 Bus

Summing it all up, I’d give our whole trip (Run+Food+Laugh Trips) a perfect score of 5/5 purpletops !!  Everyone had tons of fun and I’m sure everyone’s excited for the team’s out of town trip #3, and I think we’re booked for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon in Feb. 2012!

A different kind of route.

Up and about at 3:00 AM not knowing where to go on a Sunday morning. That’s how I was early morning of September 18th, before heading to the AXN Run. Funny how I am NOT familiar with Ortigas, totally clueless how to get to the prescribed parking lot. Amazingly though we got to the area at 4:09 AM, with 1:21 minutes to spare and we were steps beside the start arc – GREAT! So much for an additional hour of sleep.

It was quite exciting for us to be honest as we were running a different route. I have only ran at the Greenhills Shopping Area in the past, but running in the other roads of Ortigas was my first. I was also anxious how FinishLine will now host an event after so long.

Race in review – I think it was quite good, some good points I noticed:
1. Route was great
2. Hydration was sufficient
3. The location was setup well, how the finish line was located on separate roads with the tents/stage but very close
4. Good singlet quality and cool ankle chip strap that can be an ipod arm band for ladies as well
5. Nice finisher medal
6. Good finisher shirt quality for the first 1000 registrants
7. Hydration at the finish line and loot bags

I guess to top it off the weather cooperated really well. The sun only went up 3 hours after the first gun start so we weren’t sunburned (but of course I only ran 5K, but FFS and team ran the 21K, Philip and Daves ran 10K).

Here are some photos I grabbed from KB Photography & Pinoyfitness. (thank you guys!)

Near the finish line

With Belgian Banana Runner

Overall I’d give the event 4/5 purpletops!
’til the next running event!

Pacer duties at the FS Run 2011

Before starting my boring story, I can say that the Fort Striders again did a fair job in hosting this year’s FS Run. I commend them for no longer calling it an “FS Marathon” as how they called it in 2010. Seriously, no pun intended, good job!

I remember running the 10K category last year but this time I chose to just take it slow and just run my 5Ks every Sunday. You must be thinking why, and my straight answer there is I am not in condition and part of it I am tamad. haha! (and I call myself a runner?? really now, kathy?)

FFS and I invited our friends, a couple, Carmie and Pao who both last had their debut runs at the HSBC 150 Run last November 2010. Paolo was running his first 10K and Carmie, her 2nd 5K. FFS and I are always happy to have new people on board the running community!

Race day came and Carmie had to send a proxy due to some emergencies. (Carmie I hope Tito Ben recovers soon!). Paolo brought along his sister Maan, who was running her first 5k — and, as you have guessed, I will be pacing her to the finish. I told Carmie I will happily take good care of her sister-in-law. Maan is a nurse, I was chatting with her if she normally do exercise, but she said the only running she does is when she needs to rush through the hospital hallways as she’s assigned in the ER. (That makes total sense, right?) You see running is a way of life, it saves lives at the medical centers.

FFS’ 16k started, Paolo took off with his 10k soon after, and then it was our 5k run. I just followed Maan’s pace at the start, estimated her comfort zone, and of course there were small talks as it was our first time bonding together. Then I noticed our speed was at a constant 7:30 to 7:45. I worried a little because we didn’t loosen up, but thought we can always take walk breaks. After about 800 meters, we stretched for a bit as her muscles were getting a little tight, but she was fine, and still competitive! At that point I know I could push her a little as I saw her fighting spirit. (Usually for first time 5Ks, and sorry if my standards are too slow, but I would range it at an 8:00 to 8:30 average pace.) We did the Galloway method, and it was unplanned. It was her strategy alone. I would only tell her how far we were already, set the pace when we run, but leave the rest up to her. I was surprised and impressed she would only stop for 10-15 seconds and run back. We walked while hydrating at water stations but kept the same pace more or less until we reached the finish line.

Official time was 43:04, but I had 42:35 in my Garmin, net. We were 293/294 out of 561 runners. That is with an average pace of 8:30. I was so happy for her, and she told me she enjoyed it a lot! That made my heart melt.

Congratulations to The Fort Striders Club for pulling off a successful event! I’d give it 3/5 purpletops!

It’s so sad that I don’t have photos to post, as I left my camera at home. Would have been great to have some photos to introduce my new running buddy to you. For sure next time, I will! Oh, and congratulations to FFS for another lazy 16k run (haha!), finishing at 1:27:18, average pace of 5:25, and Pao on his first 10k (woohoo!) clocking at 1:08:06, average pace of 6:48. We all had a great time. Hope to run with them again soon.

Team Alpha1 will be at the AXN Run this weekend, September 18th divided among the 21, 10 and 5k categories. Hope to see you! For sure I’ll have photos by then.