Nike Running Shoes

When I started running (which was just recently), I was wearing my Roshe Runs.  These shoes are so comfy, I use them all the time for both gym and casual wear.

Until I was told that these shoes were not for running that I realized I needed REAL running shoes.  Not wearing the proper shoes for running could get you injured, so off I went to hunt for the perfect pair.  Its also an excuse to buy a new pair of Nikes since I have been itching to buy a new pair for  a long time now.

So research, research, research and I came across the latest craze in Nike running shoes, the Flyknit Racers!  The materia used is ultralight, strong and flexible without compromising protection and stability.  It is the perfect shoes for running.  I wanted a pair of these so bad but I could not find my size! I wanted either the Blue Lagoon or the Game Royale.  On Instagram, a pair ranges from 6,999 to as much as 13,000.

Blue lagoon

Game royale

I would pay this much for a pair of these racers but I really needed to start training already so I just decided stop searching and opted for a pair that's available.  I went to the Nike store and found that there were different kinds of Flyknit shoes.  What I liked was the Nike Free 4.0 because it was the simplest and most conventional looking one.  The designs of the other shoes were a bit too much for me and the colors were striking.  I followed the advice of the sales consultant to get the black so its easy to pair it with any outfit.

These Flyknit shoes are soooo comfy, even comfier than the Roshe Runs.  It's like wearing thick socks that molds itself to your feet and wraps it so comfortably.  These will be my new favorite shoes and for sure I will be buying more of this kind.

Other than the material used, the functionality is also very important.  When I tried them for running, they have just proven to be the most comfortable shoes I ever used in my life. Its sole was so flexible and light, it bends in all the right places while still protecting the sole of your feet.  No pain after running! These just cost me P5,990.

I am very satisfied (and motivated) with my new pair of running shoes!

Subaru Run 2015

I really enjoyed my first ever marathon so I enlisted myself in the next marathon on the same trail, the Subaru Run 2015.  This time, no friend had to push me.  I pushed myself.  My objective was to perform better and make sure not to miss the gun start.

What are the things I liked about the Subaru Run?

1. Registration
Joining the Subaru Run 2015 was very convenient for me because they had a registration booth in Subaru, Alabang which was very near my place.  I immediately got my awesome singlet upon payment!

2. Singlet
I really liked the royal blue color of the singlet.  The material used  was also light and breathable.  It didn't look cheap at all.

3. Venue
I liked that it was on familiar grounds.  At least my focus was on improving my pace and time instead of the challenge of being on a new trail.  I'll get to that after a few more races.

4. Companion
My boyfriend went with me. =) I love that he supports me in what I want to do and even joins me when he can.

I finished the race in 42 minutes! Thats 13 minutes less than my first 5k run! I really tried my best and pushed myself hard. I kept running and never stopped in the first 3 kilometers, rested and walked on the fourth and ran again in the last kilometer.

I already completed two 5k runs. Now, its time for a 10k run!

Little Tycoon Playhouse in Westgate

After resigning from my 6-day, 9-to-forever job, I have been trying to make up for lost time with the little kids. The first thing I wanted to do was take them to places I was not able to take them when I was busy, like playhouses and parks.  I was just relying on kwento and pictures from the yaya.

One sunny afternoon, I decided to take the kids to this new playhouse on Westgate called Little Tycoon Playhouse.  It was located in the second floor of Westgate's new building and was not very hard to find.

My first concern was the rate because I would be paying for two kids plus two yayas.  When I learned that it was only P200/hour plus one companion can go in for free, we gave it a go.

The playhouse was designed to mirror a little town.  It had a police station, grocery store, salon, restaurant, french cafe, office, japanese restaurant, karaoke bar and a hospital all built for small kids.

I wasn't very impressed with this playhouse because there were only a few variety of toys.  There were small buildings and plastic toys but there's not much that would encourage physical activity for my toddler. I don't think it offered a lot for him.  Maybe it would appeal to bigger kids, 6 years old and above, where they could play pretend. The props were pretty cool.  I enjoyed taking photos of the kids in the mini-japanese restaurant.

My second concern was the safety of kids.  My son immediately rode the toy car inside the playhouse and got disappointed that it was not working.  He insisted on riding the car, so I asked the attendant why it was not working.  She said it was still charging.  When I checked the car, the car seat was lose and there were wires underneath that was plugged in.  That immediately got me worried because that's very dangerous for kids.  It could get them electricuted.  They should not be charging it inside the playhouse while kids are there.

Another thing was, the fire extinguishers were also inside the playhouse within reach of the kids.  There was one beside the hospital and one beside the telephone booth that the kids could easily reach.  That's a big no-no for me because the kids could play with it.

I think the kids didn't have fun as much as they could have.  I'll probably not take my son there again anytime soon. I would rather go to Fun Ranch where he could play and have lots of fun.

Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2015

This is the very first marathon I joined and its the marathon that got me started running.  A friend of mine signed me up for the 5k one week before the race and that was the only time I had to train.  I would jog for at least 10 minutes a day and that was it.  The only preparation I did well was carb-loading.  =)

Registration was pretty convenient and I was able to get all the information I needed at takbo.ph before the race.

My friends and I arrived a few minutes late for the race.  I missed my very first gun start which would have been memorable.  Nonetheless, I am still very happy and excited to run this race with my friends.

There were a lot of runners that day! Roughly, 5000 runners participated, both pros and amateurs.  As a first timer, I really enjoyed this race, seeing other people both young and old enjoying the challenge.

I ran in the first 2 kilometers but slowed down and walked for the third and forth kilometer.  But for the last kilometer, I tried my best to finish the race running. And I did. With struggle. Great struggle.

I was full of emotions after the race and of course was very happy! I think that's what they call the runner's high.

I finished my first ever race in 52 mins!

About the Mom

First and foremost, before I start this journey, let me write about where I will be coming from.  Just recently, I resigned from work as a Marketing Manager of the biggest surplus depot in the country.  I did this to start my own business and most importantly, to have more time for my two year old son.  It was a difficult choice to make, to leave the career I have built successfully and have worked hard for. But we have to stick to our priorities and make a choice, and in my case, my priority is my son.

Liam is now two years and 4 months old and have just started going to school.  Raising a toddler as a first time mom is very challenging.  There are a lot of things we both need to learn in this stage.  I will be writing more about our adventures together in this blog to document our progress.

Aside from choosing to be a mom, I quit my job to pursue my passion for children.  I have always wanted to work with kids my entire life and at the same time, it was also part of my life plan to put up my own business.  So last August, I was able to fulfill both by opening my own Preschool.  Starting your own business is not as easy as I thought it was. I will also be sharing the challenges I face as a mompreneur in this blog.

Lastly, since I have time to do the things I enjoy, I can devote time to my newest hobby, running.  I always like challenging myself and going beyond my limits and running has given me the opportunity to do just that.  I am a beginner in this sport so I'm very excited to write about my progress in this new found love of mine.  I cannot wait to run my first 10k this year.  Then hopefully, by next year, I get to try doing a 21k.