Fast Track

And just like that the first month of the year have passed.

Year End Crunch
Nothing makes time go faster than a ticking deadline and a busy schedule.  Year end problems have started to creep in and this is just the start.  The worst is yet to come.  In less than a month, it's gonna be Board Meeting time, Full Year Announcement and Annual Report.  I so hate this time of the year but I'm living by the thought that this are the final acts of a play and in the next scene, it's gonna be a whole new environment.  This time, I'm craving for a change... Change of Scenery... Change in Challenges... and Change in Annoyances.  I'll work on that game plan soon and I do have some LinkedIn request to accommodate.

Morning Madness
And speaking of game plans, how do you prepare for a half marathon that starts in the wee hours of the morning?  I've started to try to wake up earlier than the usual.  I've started to sleep earlier and get as much sleep as I can.  I've have been diligent in following my training program which comprises mostly of long hill runs and sufferfest cycling workouts.  If by chance I doze off during the run, I have a double espresso shot of energy gel to keep me awake.   I dare not make any bold predictions on how this is gonna turn out but I do know when the gun start hits, it's gonna be a feeling-out process and a unique experience running the Skyway.  Who knows might invent the run- sleep - run technique by Sunday.

Cycling Time
Trainings have  been more exciting with my bike around even if most of the time I have to do my sufferfest at home on bike trainer.  Biking one to two hours outdoors per week is fun and I can't wait to acquire skills further and join my first duathlon event.  I'm still a long way but I'll get there.  Somehow, I'm looking forward to the bike rides I'm able to squeeze in a day before the run.  I'll squeeze another ride before Condura.  I also noticed some improvement in my overall fitness level.  I'm slowly strengthening my quads which now shares in the burden of running.  Now to work on my ankle and other muscles... Hello TRX!!!

Fast Track
If I don't have any hurdles to overcome, I'd sure wish time's gonna jump one more month and start counting the days before I turn another year younger.  I'm back to the days that I'm looking forward to my B-day and this just means, I'm back to my happy disposition.  It's gonna be a party and it's gonna be fun but I'm leaving that part after hurdling all the obstacles in place starting with the year end rush.

When the Heat is ON

One of the factors you consider when you are training or joining races is the heat of the sun.  When you go for longer distances or more disciplines in duathlons and traithlons, being protected from the sun becomes more important.  Team Total Fitness is lucky enough to have Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock as one of its sponsors.

Whether you'd like the tan which comes with the heat of the sun or you'd still want to retain your fair complexion, the bottom line is you'll need protection from the ultra-violet rays of the sun.  This is what dermplus has to offer.  They have products ranging fron SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 24 for those individuals with light to dark brown complexion, SPF 35 for those with fair skin, SPF 35 for kids for chilren's delicate skin and SPF 80 for extreme protection and those who bask in the outdoors who needs longer protection from the sun like runners and multi sport athletes.

Team Total Fitness is very grateful for the support Dermplus has given to the team.  As some of team members are going for their Ironman 70.3 in August and the rest of the team doing Triathlons, Duathlons and half marathons, training in the heat of the sun is now a requirement.  Dermplus protects the Team as it prepares for the bigger and longer battles so even when the heat is ON, the team is still training and racing hard.

"A" Race

"The First Step of Battle is Preparation"

While you can take runs and marathons as a weekly thing, you can't give all of your races your best efforts.  Choose your battles and select few key races to prepare for. This is your A race.  It is where you unleash your peak form and it is where you break all the PRs and barriers you previously had.  Of course, you can still go for the weekly or monthly adrenalin rush in the race course but consider these all part of the preparations for the bigger races.

I'm picked several races to be my A-Races for the year.  I've selected it based on how challenging the course is based on elevation profile and race route, volume of runners and the unique experience it can provide and the timing them apart from each other consider my training and work load and of course, vacation plans.

Condura Skyway Marathon 2012 - February 2012

This was suppose to be my original A Race for 2012 but we all know what happens during the holidays that disrupts your training preparations so I'll be hitting the Condura starting line not in peak form but a half mary at the Skyway even in the wee hours in the morning is such a great race experience.  Condura team has the reputation of delivering the best races and at the same time it's an advocacy run.  It's gonna be challenging yet exciting to test our mettle on a timezone different from our regular time but it's gonna be a unique experience.  Race preparations includes longer and more intense runs, cross-training with bike, several core workouts and a half mary at Subic International Marathon.

Baguio 21K - April 2012

This one is more of a sentimental choice as this is my return to my hometown  to go for a Half Mary 1,500 meters above sea level on a hilly (make that mountain) terrain of Baguio City.  Even at summer time, Baguio mornings remains chilly and breezy so you can add that to the challenge of this course.  I've always struggled running in the country's summer capital as the hills get to your legs fast and it does sting.  I have eaten quite a lot of hills for dinner lately and will be having more in months to come so I should be ready for this one.  It's also a bonus treat that I would be spending the Holy Week at home as this happens in time with the Holidays.  I'm having hills for Easter!!!

Powerade Duathlons - May 2012

I should have my first duathlon event by the May's edition of the Powerade duathlon as it would be too son to catch the March edition.  Cycling has been a new addition to my list of to dos and as of now, I'm having 3 Sufferfest sessions per week and 1 for road handling.  In the next months, the cycling should shift outdoors at longer distance.  Well, this one is not really an A Race but I guess it's gonna be, "this is my first time and I hope I finish" type of race.  It should be fun and maybe I would fit in 2-3 duathlons for the remainder of the year.

King of the Road - October 2012

There's a reason why it's called King of the Road as it rules the racing landscape like no other.  It comes with so much hype and has even gone international.  Even if its one of the biggest runs in the year, it does not feel crowded and who knows what innovation they would bring in this year.  It'll be preparation time towards mid-year til KOTR though I may take in an international race and probably Takbo.PH in between the preparations.  KOTR was my first half marathon, I should come here at peak form.

Corregidor International Half Marathon - December 2012

Corregidor International Marathon is the way I want to end my year.  Running in the mountains and trails of Corregidor is just the kind of obstacle between my running season and off season.  The climbs are unforgiving, the trails are endless and the sun is at its peak but despite these challenges, it's one of the more scenic runs you can take and as far as I can say, each kilometer is a different story.   It's not the easiest run to take but crossing the finish line here is worth all the energy, pains and courage you pour in.  I do hope they have a second Nathan Ridge Run as I'm using it as a tune up for Corregidor.

There goes 2012 Racing Season.  I'll still have my other races as part of Team Total Fitness and it's gonna part of the whole process of starting my A reace in the best form I can have. The good part about having A Races is you can also plot in other key activities you'd want to do... Now to plan my 2012 "A" Vacation Schedule.

A Runner's Life

Running is invigorating and racing is even a lot more fun.  The adrenalin rush that comes with your sleep-deprived state just trying to keep up with the rest of the pack to reach the finish line is quite addicting.  Crossing the finish line is so satisfying that it leads you to chase your next race, a longer distance or a faster time.  Hook, line and sinker, you're now a runner.

Next thing you'll know, you frequent Bonifacio High Streets, McKinley, UP and other running areas doing routine runs on weekdays and long run on weekends or even get yourself an awesome coach.  The once dreaded 5K - 10K runs now feels like routine and the challenge has shifted to breaking your individual speed limit.  You start investing in a GPS watch, a reliable hydration belt and other gadgets.  Before you realize it, you're running as fast as you are losing weight.

You start hanging out with a group of runners and start running as a pack.  You start enjoying the dynamics as a group and the next thing you'll now, you have now formed your team.   You try to catch up with the next fastest runner or try to motivate the next in line to try to go faster. It's then that you realize that each of you have elevated each others pace and endurance level.

You start synchronizing your vacation with running events and make the most out of it.  You go out of your way to go for out of town or out of the country races.  It is then that you get to appreciate the more intricate details of each location and also have a mental imprint of the GPS and elevation profile of your latest run.  You realize that apart from the muscle pains, there's a nice scenery that leaves its mark on each run you take
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You then realize that you are not just part of a team, but also a community.  You start liking pages and sites related to the sport and check on updates, race schedules and events.  You start interacting with other runners, bloggers and photographers awaiting if they caught you in your latest conquest. At times,  you try to do give back to the sports that you've grown to love and write your own take on the latest races or take some photos you get to share to the community adamant of seeing their serious or not so serious running poses.

And then you write blogs like this chronicling a runner's life the way it has affected your own... =>

It's More Fun in the Philippines: Pasyal Na!!!

It's quite embarrassing to have foreigners talk about places in your country that you haven't been to so I started setting aside several domestic flights every year to discover the Philippines before them.   The Philippines has 7,107 islands worth visiting and I find several reasons why it's more fun in the Philippines.
Chill Time
Let me start at my hometown, Baguio City.  The summer capital is about 10 degrees colder than Metro Manila and is perfect for a time to chill and get away from the warm weather. Waking up with the fresh scent of pine in a cold misty morning is one of the things to look forward to here.   Speaking of Cold mornings, you can also catch a cooler climate in Tagaytay while taking a look at Scenic Taal Volcano.
Feel the Heat
The heat brings out the best in the country with its numerous beaches. Appreciate the fine white sands in the lively Boracay island.  Go island hopping in 100 islands in Pangasinan.  Appreciate the West Philippine Sea Sunset in La Union.  Party all night at Puerto Galera.  Get amazed at pristine beaches in Zambales.   We have the best beaches and once summer time hits, prepare to hit the beach.
Naturally Amazing
The Philippine is blessed by so many wonders.  Puerto Princesa is home of the underground river and Coron has a rich diverse marine life to appreciate.  Bicol has Mayon Volcano's perfect cone shape to welcome you at Legaspi Airport.  Bohol has the chocolate hills and those cute tarsiers to visit.  Cagayan De Oro provides you with a chance to do river rafting fun and there's so much more to visit and a lot more to appreciate.
Historically Rich
The Philippines have been through several centuries under different colonizers and from that were born several places of historical importance.  There's old Manila structures in Intramuros.  There's a world heritage site in Vigan.  There's the remnants of a military fort in Corregidor from World War 2 and other strategic points during the war in Leyte and Lingayen Gulf.  There's Villa Esacudero where you can appreciate the Filipino culture.
Pamper Yourself Fun
The Philippines also have world class resorts that can pamper you like no tomorrow.  You can have the white structures, cobblestone paths and the Santorini feel in Ballarocca in Marinduque.  You can have a mix of snorkling, kayaking and beach fun in Dos Palmas in Palawan.  You can have the infinity pool and island fun in Pearl Farm in Davao.  You can also have a good family time at Plantation Bay in Cebu.  This all comes with the Filipino brand of hospitality so you're definitely in for the treat.
The People
The most important element that makes the Philippines more fun is it's people.  The Filipinos are a resilient race and their lighthearted ways makes them pass through calamities, turbulent political situations and empty pockets.   Filipinos just are capable of making fun out of anything and are capable of putting up a courageous smile even on the toughest of time.  I'm glad to be a part of this side of the world where people celebrate for the slightest reason and where people know the value of family and friends.

"Happiness is not having everything in the world but it's being content with what you have."

Weekend War Rages On

Team Total Fitness has been busy packing in the mileage and joining various races after their debut race and first weekend of back to back races.  While the wars happen during weekends, the battle preparations are made on weekday with their own training programs and group rides and runs.  It's been a packed weekends for both the Run and Tri team conquering new terrains and new challenges.
3rd Leg of Powerade Duathlon - November 19, 2011

Nuvali, Sta. Rosa Laguna - Team Total Fitness joined a full duathlon event covering 10 kilometers Run, 40 kilometers Bike Ride and another 5 Kilometers Run in a warm and humid Sunday morning in Nuvali's angulated terrain.  It was a cramps-fest for most duathletes. Jose Arcega and PJ Cendana finished 7th and 10th in their age group.

Nathan Ridge Run - November 20, 2011

Tagaytay Highlands - Team Total Fitness joined thousand of runners in the scenic yet challenging Tagaytay highlands terrain which featured 5K ,10K and 21K category.  The race was had the runners scaling 400 meters worth of elevation. Rojan Pajarin, James Orlanda and Franc Ramon placed 5th, 12th and 97th place in the event.

PCL Immuvit Race - November 27, 2011

Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City - Team Total Fitness joined hundreds of cyclist in the 100 kilometer road race from Clark to Dinalupihan via SCTEX and back.  It was a great test of will and endurance and adrenalin rush that came with a road race like this.

Greenfinity Fun Run November 27, 2011

Greenhills, San Juan - Team Total Fitness member joined hundred of runners in the 16K category of Greenfinity Run and was able to garner fourth place in the said category.

Quezon City International Marathon - December 4, 2011

Commonwealth, Quezon City - Team Total Fitness joined thousands of runners conquering the country's largest highway which had 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers and 21 kilometers category. Rojan Pajarin, James Orlanda and Ferdz Capco for placed 16th, 39th and 59th respectively in the 21K Category and the rest of Team Total Fitness had strong finishes.

Corregidor International Half Marathon - December 10, 2011

Corregidor Island - Team Total Fitness joined hundreds of Champion Chasers in conquering 21 Kilometer worth of climbs, trails and descents along the historical structures in the island.  Team Total Fitness conquered the Rock and Rojan Pajarin, Ferdz Capco and Jeffrey Pineda placed 5th, 20th and 51st among hundreds of Champion Chasers.

Milo Marathon - Finals - December 11, 2011

SM Mall of Asia - Team Total Fitness Member James Orlanda joined the Milo Marathon Finals and was the Champion in the 5K Media Challenge of the said event.

2011 Team Total Fitness

And there goes the 2011 season of the Team... but... wait.  What's all the hard work without a little bit of celebration?  The team had a Christmas get together and 2012 planning last December 28, 2011.

And the here's for our big plans in 2012.  Like Team Total Fitness facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TeamTotalFitness) and let's make a 2012 a fitter year together.

Team Total Fitness is powered by Total Fitness Magazine and Training Program by Alpha Training System and supported by the following sponsors: .

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Moving Comfort

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100 Plus

Intensity 20.12

I'm stepping up the intensity in 2012!!!

NY = Year End
While a start of the year would seem like a warm up to most people, it always meant 'hello busy season' for me and probably to most of those crazy enough to have earned those three initials that spells C P A.  For all of my professional life, nothing has been more synonymous to new year than the term, year end closing.  So begins the saga of closing the books, chasing deadlines, resolving issues and finalizing financials within a 60-day time frame.  This is the time I bring my A-Game and pressure-packed situations brings out the best in me.  I'm ready!!!
Run + Bike = 2x the Workout

Off season is over and it's time to unpack the unwanted pounds.  After almost a month of low intensity training or lack of it, the first day of training seems like the first day at a Biggest Loser camp.  Christmas Spirit has been unstoppable and has definitely shifted the scales to the More Food, Less Workout side.  It's gonna be fun to finally start shedding the fats and this time it's gonna be twice as fast as I'm having twice the workout with running and cycling.  I have half marathons to prepare for and at the same time, I'm learning the ABCs of cycling.  Seeing two additional columns to work on in my training logbook won't be easy but all I can say is, Bring in the PAIN!
Shifting Timezone
I've been hitting the road to train at night for over a year now.  I want to shift some of my trainings early in the morning as it would free up some time at night.  I would be using fresh-out-of-sleep energy rather than the depleted whatever-is-left-after-a-hectic-day energy.  Getting to sleep early would also be a challenge as even if I'm taking everything a notch higher, sleep is not one of the things I won't compromise.  This is a big adjustment but it'll be for the best.  This new year is about new challenges and this is just one of them.  This should make me more upbeat in the morning whether I'm in a race course or at work.  Alarm clocks adjusted!!!
Travel-less For Now
I don't usually start early with my trips.  Aside from the routine business trips, I have yet to make up my mind on what to do with my travel calendar this year.  I'm still awaiting the official race calendar to clear up so I can sync up my vacations and trainings.  I'm quite impulsive when it comes to booking trips so being travel-less for now is just temporary.  I did book a weekend in Cebu to watch my Iron-friends conquer the 70.3 Ironman distance and committed to attend a friend's wedding in Boracay this year.  Promo fares, come on down.
Intensity 20.12 Blogging
It does add pressure having about 1,500 hits on my blog site last month and that inspire me to come up with meaningful posts in 2012.  I'm really excited to blog about my next adventure whether getting lost on a new place, pulling all the stops to finish a race or accomplishing a new feat.  It does make it a complete experience from planning an event to being in it to writing about it after.  Writing about an adventure gives you a chance to relive the thrill and the fun of an adventure.  I should start lining up exciting things to do in 2012 so I have an something to blog about.  Now that's motivation.
No Complains, No Excuses!!!
No Complains, No Excuses is my new mantra for 2012.  Whining and scapegoating take so much of your precious time so might as well do with the things I can control like the effort I put into the things I do or the attitude to just take in what life throws at you and make the most out of it.  The only way to solve life's puzzles is taking a look at the pieces and seeing how each piece can come in unison to come up with the solution. It's all systems go in 2012!!!
Happy New Year!!!