The BUSY WEEK That Was...

It has been a really busy week for me. I've been everywhere swamped with a lot of deliverables for everyone. First, there's the Golden Anniversary Kick-off Activities of the Philippine Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals - Cebu where I am part of the committee. We had multiple activities for this particular event: Opening Ceremony with Exhibit and Zumba, 24K Sparkle & Shine Executive's Night, Entrepreneurial Workshop, Success Trilogy Workshop and the Sparty/Closing Ceremony. 

I almost forgot that it was my 34th birthday last Wednesday (January 30). 

Then, we're off to Manila to run in the Condura Skyway Marathon with some IGAT Runners during the weekend. With body beaten up after running 10k, I am glad that the week was finally over. I'm now set to face with more challenges that the coming week has to offer. 

In the mean time, allow me to brag about my weekend conquest. I dedicate this run to myself - the birthday girl! 

The Synergy Run

Pardon the silence but I was swamped with so much activities left and right. I felt the need to escape from the entire buzz but there are just things that you can't leave behind and just finish it once and for all.

One of which is the 1st Synergy Run - a half-marathon run organized by the Philippine Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals Cebu (PAS) and the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). It was a very ambitious project that almost took our time from everything including our sanity. At the start, there were already issues especially with the way both associations do things differently and there came a point when I just wanted to drop everything like a hot potato. But I feel blessed that I had the best team to back me up particularly on the PAS side. Towards the big day though, the committee pitched in and helped in the completion of some remaining tasks. We already felt the so-called SYNERGY. 

The committee goofing around

Well, the turnout wasn't really what we expected. We were short of our targeted number of runners despite the aggressive marketing and promotions. But it wasn't really bad considering the fact that it was a first time for us to organize such an event and despite the competition of runs on the same day. We got good reviews from the attendees with how it was organized on race day itself. And we were truly blessed with generous sponsors. 

Elite Runners in front before the 21k gunstart

When asked if we were to do it all over again, I would still go for it. I believe we have created a mark in the running community and we feel that there's still a lot of room for improvement. The only way to apply what we've learned from this activity is to do it the second time around...or the third and so on. There's actually more gain than lost. I learned so much and my patience was put to a test.

i can still afford a smile despite the pressure

Cheers to the 1st SYNERGY RUN!!!

First 10k at the Citigym Halloween Run

Today is another milestone in my running adventure. I took the leap of going out of my comfort zone by running my first ever 10k at the Citigym Halloween Run 2012. It was a last minute decision when I asked the husband to register me for 10k a day before the run...weak knees and painful heels be damned. For someone who has been running 5 - 6k during the past 3 years, this is already quite a feat and I deserved some bragging rights for such courage. While the rest of my buddies in IGAT Runners savor their victory for finishing their first 32k or receiving their medals for the first time in 21k, I gave myself a tap on the back and celebrated in silence. 

I was mostly alone during the first 5k enjoying the company of Chris Brown and Rihanna hits in my ipod. I didn't put much pressure to myself. I walked a lot and jog a little. I didn't aim for any sub churva...my goal is just to finish the race still standing. I was happy to tag along the trio headed by Sir Alex Unabia - a fellow IGAT Runner in the last 5k. If not for them, I wouldn't be able to clock-in in 1 hour and 39 minutes. 

I have been on a roller coaster ride when it comes to running. Some days I loathe running, some days I am in love with it. I wish I could sustain the love more often. So, cheers to my first 10k...this I promise myself from now --- I am never going back to 5 or 6k again. Let's bring it ON!!!

(Photo swiped from Facebook)