As of this writing, a couple of friends are already doing their ultramarathon – the famous Bataan Death March 102km…while I’m watching and reading live updates via FB from the sideline. It sucks to know that I could have been one of those runners vying to etch his name in the history of BDM 160km (I already did BDM 102km last year). Still plugged with injury and with an unusually long recovery time, pain in plantar would still flared up from time to time. Its one of those frustrating feeling when you thought you’re OK but come the D day, you’re still lacking something. I guess I only have to blame myself, every time I sense a hint of recovery, I would hit the road like a raging bull, doing hill sprints,intervals,leg strengthening at gym etc. Anyway, I shall be more patient and more disciplined this time. Still thinking what cross-training I shall participate into without damaging my wallet. I told you, I really tried that biking activity, after an hour of doing so, I swear my crotch felt numb for few minutes I thought I just damaged the family’s jewel.  I told myself that I will never be into triathlon. Next I will try, swimming

Lately I’ve been going to Fitness First gym at The Fort. I went there to strengthen my core, upper body and other parts of my lower leg which I felt are weak. My routine would usually involve carrying a 20lb load, 10 repetitions/3 sets. Here are my observations:

• A guy will look at your load, will adjust the weight to 40-50lb weight and tried to finish his set. Usually, he can’t go after the first set, and with a wasak look, you’ve just spotted a newbie! What the fact!
• Similarly on a treadmill, a guy will pop up out of nowhere, look at your pace (I only do 8-9km/hour pace on treadmill), and would suddenly adjust his treadmill’s pace to 11km/hour. He’s done in 2 minutes, congratulate yourself as you’ve just spotted another newbie!
• In the Men’s room, its more exciting! I once went to the steamroom and few minutes later a guy went by and started talking to me in friendly manner. It was just a small talk, I wasn’t looking at him while talking as he did the talking most of the time but I was replying and agreeing to his stuffs. I looked at him and noticed that while he was talking, he eyes were always staring on between my legs. I left the place mas mabilis pa sa alas quatro!  No I wasn’t butt naked but yes, I never went to steam room after that.
• Its probably me, or our culture. I always find myself surprised when a guy (always a foreigner) would suddenly remove ALL his clothes near me, and stand there in his birthday suit, put his towel on and head straight to the shower room. Yeah it could be a non-issue for them but for us (or maybe just me),  but I find it uncomfortable especially when my stuffs is just right beside the guys belongings.

And those are facts!

So much for these gym talk. If the next 5 days will give me no pain, my next race this month might be the Run Rio Unilab 21km. I won’t be racing this one, will try to maintain a consistent pace and check my footing and stride, hopefully targeting 2h:5m-2h:15m finish time. If I finish this in sub 1h:55m, then it means I’m back. Goodluck to me!

To BDM 160km runners, I’m so proud of you for the guts and the training you spent on this. Hope to run with you on next year’s edition.

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