My idiot's guide to start running (Part 1)

    For those of you who are thinking of going into RUNNING, here are some basic pointers one should consider:

     1. Consult a physician. It is very important that you go see a doctor and inform him/her of what you plan to go into. Better be safe than sorry. It is a fact that while anybody can go into running, running is also not for everybody. A cardiologist can best identify if you are fit enough to run.

     2. Make sure you are wearing proper attire- with this i mean you should wear any dri-fit shirt/jersey/singlet, running/hiking shorts, and of course, running shoes. It does not matter if you use expensive or cheap brands as long as you are using appropriate gear (i.e. basketball shoes for playing basketball, tennis shoes for playing tennis, etc.)

     3. Start and finish each session by doing some basic stretching exercise/drill and then walk.

     4. Follow a program. You can adopt another person's start up program, you can download through the web or you can make one for yourself. Do not forget to include a timetable of your activity/exercise. A sample program would be to start by walking for the first 2-3 weeks, insert slow jog on the 4th week and gradually run on the 6th week. Each session should last at least 30 minutes.

     5. Set a goal. By this, i mean you should promise yourself to accomplish or conquer a certain distance over a given period of time. This will motivate and inspire you to run and train more often.

     6. Start on your own. As you are just beginning, it would be better if you are alone and go about at your own pace. Do not worry, over time you would surely be able to find a running buddy.

     7. Look for a place that is convenient and ideal for you. Here are some options:
         a.) LimKetKai Center- if you live within the city proper, this is a good place to start walking and gradually progress into some light running. You can come here any day of the week. Ideal time would be from 5:00 am to 7:00 am. One loop around the complex is approximately 1kilometer or 1000 meters. You can also walk/run around their open space parking lots (one in front of Robinsons and another one beside Grand Caprice Restaurant). On the downside, it is a little bit dusty/polluted and better watch out for vehicles passing by.
         b.) Pelaez SportsCenter Oval Track- ideally located in the heart of the city, you can come here at any time of the day. The floor is rubberized so as to lessen impact on your joints/feet. No cars, less polluted albeit it can get boring going around in less than 500 meters circles. You also get to meet new friends & fellow runners and engage in what a runner friend calls "Tsismis Run". You can choose to pay the daily rate of P30. or the annual 'unlimited use' fee of P2,000.
         c.) Pueblo de Oro Township- for those living "uptown", this is the best place for you to take up the sport. With its wide paved roads, it is ideal for those planning to train for their first 5km or up to 10km fun runs. You can start in the fountain behind SM City and work your way around the surrounding communities.
         d.) Mountain Meadows- not for the meek upstarts, this hillside property development offers a great view of our city's shoreline. Ideal for hiking or for those who want to get away from the city's hustle and bustle. It features a 1.5 kilometer uphill climb which will surely test your body.
         e.) Sportszone and Rodelsa Circle- one loop around this area is approximately 900 meters. Again, it is quite polluted and has moderate vehicular traffic.
         f.) If you live in a subdivision or a gated community, then it is always a practical choice to just roam around your own neighborhood.
         g.) And lastly, there is the treadmill which you can use  right in the very comforts of your nearby gym or your home.

     8. When on the road, you must always, i mean always stay on your left side. You should be against the flow of vehicular  traffic at all times, this way you can see cars or anything that comes your way. Also, be mindful of those stray dogs but never look at them directly in the eye.

     9. Hydrate yourself before, during and after every session. Remember that taking in fluids is always good for your body whether you are into running or not.
   
     10. Listen to your body. You know your body best, so only you can best determine when to start, when to push yourself and when to stop.

     So, start a healthy and active lifestyle. Go out and have fun. Appreciate your surroundings. Discover the beauty of our city like you've never seen before. Meet new people.  Happy Running!

Chronology of my running life and races

September             2008                  Started walking at LimKetkai Center CdO

October                 2008                  Joined 32nd Milo Marathon CdO Leg (5km)
                                                       (my 1st time to join a fun run)

February                2009                  Started jogging at Pelaez Sports Center CdO

July                        2009                  Joined 33rd Milo Marathon CdO Leg (21km)
                                                       (my 1st half marathon)

September             2009                  Joined Mommy Milkshake Fun Run (5km)
                                                       (my first run in Manila)

October                 2009                 Joined The NorthFace Thrill of the Trail Series CdO (22km)

November   29,      2009                Joined New Balance Power Run (21km)

January        10,     2010                 Joined Cebu City Marathon (42.195km)
                                                      (my 1st full marathon) Time: 4:53

February       7,      2010                 Joined Condura Run for Dolphins (42.195km)
                                                      (my 2nd full marathon) Time: 4:29

April       24-25,     2010                Joined TNF 100 Ultramarathon in Baguio (50km)
                                                      (my 1st ultramarathon)
                                                      Joined the 11km race category the morning after
                                                      (as my wife Margie's pacer)

June             13,     2010                Co-organized Freedom Run Cagayan de Oro (5km, 10km)
                                                      (my 1st time as Race Organizer / Director)

June             26,     2010                 Joined Takbo Para Sa Ilog CdO (10km)

July              25,     2010                 Joined CKSCAA Fun Run @ SM Mall of Asia (10km)

August           1,      2010                Joined Speedo National Age Group Triathlon CdO Leg
                                                                 (30km bike - 7.5km run relay)
                                                      (my 1st duathlon) (and 1st time to ride a bike in 20years!!)

August         22,     2010                 Co-organized Kagay-an Festival Run (2km, 5km, 10km)
                                                       and the 1st Kagay-an Kalo Parade
                                                       (my 2nd time as Race Organizer / Director)

September   26,     2010                  Joined CamSur Marathon (42.195km)
                                                       (my 3rd full marathon) Time: 4:57

October       10,     2010                  Joined Avon Fun Run 10-10-10 (5km)

October       17,     2010                  Joined October Pink Run @ Mckinley Hill (15km)
             
October       24,     2010                  Joined Adidas KOTR 2010 (21km)

November    20,     2010                 Joined RunRio Trilogy 3: Unilab Run United 2 (21km)

November    21,     2010                 Joined RunRio Trilogy 3: Unilab Run United 2 (32km)

November    27,     2010                 Joined 1st Cebu Ultramarathon (50km)
                                                       (my 2nd ultramarathon)

November    28,     2010                 Joined 34th Milo Marathon CdO Leg (21km)
                                                       (as my wife Margie's pacer )

December      5,     2010                 Joined 2nd QCIM (42.195km)
                                                      (my 4th full marathon) Time: 4:49

About the running pig

    My name is Francis Velasquez and my life is about to begin(if you know what i mean). I am currently based in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Since i was a kid, i never got into any sport or any outdoor activity until august 2008 when i was diagnosed as a pre-hypertensive/ pre-diabetic in a random check-up. It is then that i decided to do something about my being overweight, out of shape with of course, a bulging belly. I started brisk walking at a nearby mall(LimKetKai Center) and it didnt take long when i started RUNNING!
    And now that i am totally hooked on running, i started this blog! Here i will write everything and anything about my new found passion. And more importantly, i will tell you about running in the city of golden friendship!