Runner's Trots and How to Avoid It!

Wikipedia defines Runner's Trots as a condition that often affects distance runners, and is characterized by an urgent need for a bowel movement mid-run.  It is also know as "Runner's diarrhea" or "the gingerbread man" (hmmm, I hope my friend who goes by this monicker knows this before he actually called himself GBM).

Last week, people from Unilab's Diatabs team invited some bloggers to discuss about Runner's Trots.  I learned that the condition is characterized by cramping, flatulence, diarrhea, and urge to defecate.

Factors that contribute to Runner's Trots are physical jostling of intestines, diversion of blood flow, increased transit time of food in the gastro-intestinal track due to hormonal changes, nutrition factors, stress, and pre-race anxieties.

Suggested management strategies include behavioural, nutritional, and medical.


BEHAVIOURAL

• Encourage bowel movement prior to race
• Manage your stress / anxiety by meditating before the race
• Setup pre-run rituals (eg. eating >2hrs pre race)
• Monitor your nutrition during race week
• Understand your bowel habits
• Progress through to high distances gradually
• Clothes comfortable size
• Work on Pelvic Floor muscles - Kegels

NUTRITIONAL

• Limit milk and milk products
• Limit artificial sugars such as sorbitol
• Limit high fibre foods such as grains, beans, fruit skin, vegetable salads
• Avoid caffeine or energy drinks, gels
• Avoid spicy foods and alcohol
• Keep hydrated

MEDICAL

Check if you have the following conditions:

• Lactose intolerant
• IBS
• Gluten intolerance
• Other GIT conditions

Take 1 Diatabs capsule 1 hour before the race.  Click here to know more about Diatabs.

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Enervon Activ Hydration Belt Promo

From the nutritional supplement scientifically formulated to help build stamina for sports-active people -- ENERVON ACTIV, comes a hydration belt that will help you achieve more miles while going green!

Click and zoom in for full mechanics

Registered Run United 2 participants have a chance to get their very own Active Health Hydration Belt!  Head to Riovana (BGC and Katipunan) and Toby's (SM Mall of Asia and SM NEDSA The Block), purchase 10 pieces of Enervon Activ (P12 each, total P120), present your Run United 2 Race Bib, and you qualify to get the Active Health Hydration Belt for only P200!!!  Yep!  That's right!  Very affordable than the usual P1000 branded hydration belt available in the market.

Two (2) 180ml bottles and pouch that fits your mobile phone,
gels, and other stuff, all for Promo Price of P200 only!

I was diagnosed with acid reflux and am having a hard time consuming Vitamin C.  I easily get sick, skip training, gain weight, and overall well-being deteriorates.

Enervon Activ is a blessing!  My tummy loves Enervon Activ!  It has the right amount of Vitamin C (at 100mg), mild enough for my stomach to take.  Enervon Activ helps boost my energy with its Panax Ginseng, Royal Jelly, and B-Complex.  It also helps strengthen my immunity with its Vitamin A, C, E, and Zinc.  Now, I can resume with my 6-day weekly training, report for work Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, join Run United and Tri United series, and keep sports fatigue away!

Click here to learn more about Enervon Activ!  And just to be sure, that you get the Active Health Hydration Belt, see promo mechanics below:

1. This promo is exclusively for registered 2013 Run United 2 participants.
2. Purchase 10 pieces ENERVON ACTIV at any of the authorized registration centers of RU2 (worth P120) and get the limited edition Active Health Hydration Belt for only P200 (includes two [2] 180ml bottles).
3. Race bib number must be presented when availing the promo.
4. Promo can be availed once per bib number only.
5. Promo duration: April 26 to May 26, 2013 or until supplies last.
6. Per DOH-FDA Permit Number 0831 series of 2013.

This promo is brought to us by
Enervon Activ, Unilab Active Health, and RunRio

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Be a Certified RockDoc!

Calling all Rehab/Sports Doctors, Physical Therapists, Athletes and Coaches, Physical Core Trainers, Yoga Instructors and Manual Therapists:  Become a Certified RockDoc!  Attend the RockTape Course on April 13 and 14, 2013 at the MetroClub in Estrella Corner Amapola Streets in Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City (near Rockwell Center).

Sharing to you the Registration Form for more details.

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Intercare and Rocktape on Facebook!

I love going to Intercare!  Their myotherapy, Rocktape, and ISMART treatments helped me get me back on the road.

Last Wednesday, December 12, 2012, I was able to experience acupuncture, and ICSS, and as expected, I felt much better after the sessions.

Intercare has a branch in Makati, Alabang, and Greenhills.  Click here for details.

Want to directly ask Intercare's CEO, Dr. Martin G. Camara, DC?  Click here to go to their Facebook page and shoot him a question about your condition.

Have you seen some athlete's sporting those cool spanking tapes on their shoulders, legs, and other body parts?  That's Rocktape!  More than being fashionable, Rocktape helps promote blood flow, promote lymphatic drainage,  assist in the removal of lactic acid, reduces muscle vibration, and stabilize muscles and joints, and promotes recovery.

Want to know more about Rocktape?  Ask the RockDoc!  Click here to got Rocktape Philippines' Facebook page.

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My Ironman 70.3 PHL Dream

In my quest to live an active lifestyle, I was led to dream of conquering things that challenged my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual capabilities.  From losing weight, to running 5Ks, 10Ks, 16Ks, 21Ks, marathons, ultramarathons, and sprint triathlons.

No doubt, everything made me a better person in the different areas of my life - in my family, workplace, and community.

As I go with the journey, I discovered several professionals, CEOs, and Directors, who also live an active lifestyle.  I realized that I wanted to be like them.  I'm just your average professional, and recreational athlete.  But I have the passion to excel, and I'm always willing to learn.

I placed on my bucket list an ultimate athletic dream:  that before I hit 40, I will participate in the Ironman 70.3 Philippines.

I'm turning 36.  Best to try to achieve something early, than cram and fail.

In the coming months, I will train myself for the event.  I will prepare to safely finish the 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21k run come August 4, 2013 in Cebu.

All these I dream and will fulfill, for the greater glory of God!  May God bless all participants for a safe training and Ironman 70.3 PHL finish.  Wish us luck!

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My RUPM Story

"I haven't ran a marathon this year."  That's what's running on my mind before and during the RUPM blogcon.  I registered for the marathon, but I know I'm not prepared.  I know that I'm bound to fail if I did show up on the starting line, and end up not finishing the race.  I envy those who prepared and will be running the full distance.

My 1st marathon attempt for the year was unsuccessful.  ITBS struck me on the left at km 7 of the Milo Marathon.  It was heartbreaking.  I had a hard time recovering.  Foam rollers and stretching just won't help.  I was trying to get in touch with Coach Titus Salazar for his deep-tissue massage treatment, but can't seem to contact him. (Only to find out that I saved a wrong number on my phone).

Intercare Episode

I first went to Intercare last October 12, 2012, in an attempt to arrest my ITBS issue.  I was really hoping they could get me back on the road.  I loved my first visit, and was looking forward to the next sessions.

I had myotherapy last October 17, and was allowed to run 15k in Adobo Run.  Boy, it was music to my ears when they gave me the go signal to run.  And I was all smiles during the Adobo Run, for I was running (run/walk 2min/1min ratio) with fellow bored member, Joy Vargas, and finished in 2:04:14 in my watch.

I returned to Intercare last October 23, for another myotherapy and ISMART.  After the treatment, I was asked about my training plans, and told them that I'm registered in RUPM.  I also told them that I lack the running mileage, only had biking and swimming as my pre-marathon activities.  I was surprised when they gave me clearance to run, on the condition that I treat RUPM as a long run.  I was elated, and got excited for the race.

RUPM Day

Seeing my running friends at the marathon starting line was something that I truly missed.  For me, wishing each other good luck was already a celebration of life.

I'm in my worst marathon running shape, and kept a note on my mind to simply treat the RUPM as a long run.  I will not mind the time.  I won't mind if I'm at the end of the pack, or if I get swept by RunRio's vehicle sweeper.  I just want to finish the distance for personal accomplishment.

I ran the same run/walk ratio (2min/1min) all the way.  I was so thankful when I passed km 15.  I was already celebrating when I passed km 21.  I lost my my heel crash pad on my right shoe at km 27.  My Garmin stopped at km 30, and had to restart.



My Garmin was able to stretch its power for another hour, and retired at km 35.



I still can't see RunRio's vehicle sweeper at this point, and thought that I have a chance to earn the medal.  And true enough, after more than 7 hours, I became an RUPM marathoner.  My fellow bored members and friends in the blogging circle patiently waited for me and cheered as I cross the finish line.

Notice the missing heel crash pad on my right shoe?
Photo courtesy of Phillip BF

I held on the heel crash pad all the way to the homestretch
Photo courtesy of CJ Paran

Photo courtesy of Pedz Verdarozaga

Thank you dear Jesus for the gift of good health and friends.  Thank you Intercare for bringing me back on the road.  Thank you RunRio and Unilab Active Health for a successful RUPM.  Thank you my dear friends for the cheers and sharing the victory.

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Nike Shield Pack Collection

Last October 26, 2012, I was invited to the Nike Media Roundtable Session in Bonifacio Global City.  Nike introduced the Nike Shield Pack Collection, Nike+ Running App, and Nike Training Club.

Nike Shield Pack Collection

The Nike Shield Pack is a collection of running footwear that features a highly reflective and water resistant inner sleeve.  The collection is composed of Nike Pegasus+ 29 Shield, Nike LunarGlide+ 4 Shield, and Nike Free Run+ 3.

Nike Running Shield Pack Collection for Men
Nike Pegasus+ 29 Shield, Nike LunarGlide+4 Shield, and Nike Free Run+3

Nike Running Shield Pack Collection for Women
Nike Pegasus+ 29 Shield, Nike LunarGlide+4 Shield, and Nike Free Run+3

I was able to try the Nike LunarGlide+ 4 Shield, a lightweight cushioning and support shoe.  It still has the Lunarlon and Flywire technologies that provides exceptional comfort and adaptive glove-like fit, and the Dynamic Support System which provides stability.

Nike+ Running App

Got an iPhone or Android phone?  Download the Nike+ Running App for FREE!  Select from 3 run options: Basic Run, Distance Run, or Time Run, track your route with the GPS, play your favorite music, and get cheers from your friends through Facebook and Twitter.  After the run, the app stores your running stats.  Cool!

Click here for iOS.  Click here for Android.

Nike Training Club

The Nike Training Club is another FREE app available for iOS devices, which provides 85+ workouts, detailed step-by-step instructions and video demonstrations, plays your favorite music, stores your workout, and rewards you with personal training advice and star workouts.

Download the app here.

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My Intercare Experience

My ITBS is bugging me since the Milo National Marathon eliminations in July.  I can't run beyond 7km.  My running mileage was declining, and I'm gaining weight.

I bought a foam roller and tried to rehabilitate myself.  But still, I can't run beyond 7km.

Last Friday, I went to Intercare in Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City.  I met Mr. Franc Auto, PTRP.  I told him that I have this pain in my left ITB, and that it could be ITBS as I have researched over the internet.  To be sure of my condition and give me the best and correct treatment, I was diagnosed and treated by a Rehabilitation Doctor - Vicente Antonio A. Reloza, MD, Chiropractor - Serry Alfonso Pizarro II, DC, and Physical Therapist - Jayson B. Adriano, PTRP.

I was impressed with the way I was taken cared by the Intercare team.  They asked me about my activities, did some tests, and I really felt their commitment to bring me back into the game.

After the diagnosis, they put a warm compress on the affected area.  Then a machine was used to further relax the muscles and determine where exactly the pain emanates.  I feel the electricity twitch my muscles in my left leg.

Then the affected area was massaged, stretched, and rock taped.  Boy, it felt so good after that I want to run already.  But I need to heed to the doctor's advise to further cut down on my running, and swim instead while we heal my ITB.

In my next session, I will undergo myotherapy.  I'm sure this will be another exciting healing session for me.

Visit Intercare in the Philippines in the following branches:

Intercare Makati

Intercare Building, 8420 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City

+63 2 890 3378 to 79

+63 922 811 3651

+63 917 850 9486

Mon to Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Intercare Alabang

Unit D, Upper GF Westgate Tower

Investment Drive, Madrigal Business Park

Alabang, Muntinlupa City

+63 2 807 6863

+63 922 811 3649

+63 917 866 4156

Mon to Fri 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Sat 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Intercare Greenhills

26-A Eisenhower Street,

Greenhills, San Juan

+63 2 724 663

+63 922 811 3650

+63 917 859 9479

Mon 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Tue to Fri 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

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A Different April

Looking at my April calendar, you would notice that I cut down on running, and gave more time on swimming and biking.  I felt that I need to focus more on these sports, being the newbie triathlete wannabe.

I really had a hard time squeezing these 2 sports into my schedule.  To swim, I need to follow the schedule of the pool of my choice.  I don't have a bike trainer yet, so I only have weekends to ride.

I was struggling during the first half of the month.  I felt like the change in activity is too much for my body.

Last April 21, I was blessed to meet Dr. Joe Alcantara, a chiropractor, and our sessions somehow boosted my confidence in training.  I tried to replicate my first half accomplishments for the rest of the month, and I'm quite successful, minus the pain.

I'm so looking forward to May.  I know that I could further up the ante and achieve more on my fitness goals.  I also look forward to my next chiropractic session with Doc Joe.  I'll keep you posted.

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My Day With A Chiropractor

I have issues with my lower back and neck.  I love twisting these areas, and I love the feeling after.  The crack or pop are simply music and bliss combined.  Problem is, I'm not guided, I could aggravate my condition.  True enough.  Very seldom I experience soreness in these areas and end up taking anti-inflammatory medicines and topical analgesics.

My boss hooked me up with her cousin, whose husband is a chiropractor.  I was skeptic.  I don't know what a chiropractor does, and wouldn't even want to check from friends in the medical profession or online.

But remembering how excruciating the pain was in my lower back and neck, I reconsidered and gave the idea a try.

Yesterday, April 21, 2012, 3PM was my schedule to meet Ms. Joan Alcantara, a Physical Therapist, and her husband, Dr. Joe Alcantara, a Chiropractor.

Chiropractors are not too popular in the Philippines.  I learned yesterday that there are only a few chiropractors in the country,  but they are well established in the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Dr. Joe introduced me to his profession.  Simply put, they are "nervous system doctors" who treat disorders in the nervous system that affect our general health.  They do manual therapies on the disorders, and believe that the body heals itself.

We talked on the activities I undertake, and the issues that I have with my lower back and neck.  He then performed several physical tests with me, and I was amazed with how my body reacted.

He was very patient explaining to me every detail of the test, and was very careful in performing them.  I'm sure he had a great workout while performing the tests on me.

After the test, he then explained to me how he's going to treat me.  All I remember was to relax.  Then the following was just great!  I was relieved of some tension in my back and neck.

I will have a follow up session in the coming days.

Dr. Junjoe Alcantara is a Magna Cum Laude of Palmer West College of Chiropractic in San Jose, California, USA.  He is a 43 year old Filipino raised in Canada.  His 2 older brothers are also Chiropractors in the USA and Canada.

Note: Lance Armstrong has Dr. Jeff Spencer, a Chiropractor, as head of his medical team.  Dr. Jeff was working with Lance since January 1999.  Read more about it here.

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[MyConduraSkyway2012Chronicles] Day 1: Weight Check

Some good news and bad news.

Looks like I also lose 1 cm in height hehe

Good news
I lose 2.2 kgs since April 29, 2011.

Bad news
I still need to shed off significant weight to help me gain speed.

Good news
I somehow maintained my weight after 2011 Milo Marathon Eliminations last July.

Bad news
The holidays are coming, and I must resist my cravings for food (and alcohol).

Good news
Only 16 kgs weight-loss to go and I'm already within my ideal weight range.

Bad news
What the?!  16 kgs??  At the rate that I'm going, it would take me until 2015 to reach my ideal weight.

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My Epi-Lasik Procedure

I had poor vision since 4th grade. I realized that I can't read well when I was placed at the 4th or 5th row. My parents aren't convinced, and thought that I only wanted to wear glasses. Since then, my nearsightedness developed, that I could no longer recognize familiar faces within 2 meters.

I was already in high school when my eyes were refracted. Ahh, the bliss of seeing things clearly. But soon I found myself very challenged whenever I engaged in sports. Whenever I play basketball, for example, I miss hitting the goal, I accidentally pass the ball to the opposing team, and even got hit by the ball in the face.

Soon I got myself sports goggles, inspired by the great Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, Jr. aka Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. My friends make fun of me, and tried not to pay attention.

When I reached college, I shifted to wearing contact lenses. This gave me more confidence whenever I work and play. While I enjoy the freedom from wearing glasses, I still feel some discomfort, especially when my lenses get dislodged.

Some 4 years ago, I learned about this LASIK technology but don't have the guts to submit myself and take the risk. I was afraid I would lose my vision, period.

Some of my friends took the risk, and very much enjoyed their regained visual freedom. I still held myself in fear.

Last April 3, during a get-together with Takbo.ph friends, Gail opened the topic and somehow brought out the courage in me.

April 11, Gail called me and told me of Groupon Beeconomic's incredible deal: 50% discount on vision assessment and standard LASIK procedure for both eyes at the Advanced Vision Laser Center of Makati Medical Center. I hurriedly logged in and placed an online transaction.

April 16, 2PM, my eyes were assessed, and learned that I am healthy enough to undergo LASIK. I was further advised by Dr. Uy of the benefits of Epi-Lasik which is very suitable to the kind of active lifestyle that I presently enjoy.

April 20, Holy Wednesday, together with Gail, we were scheduled to be operated at 2:30PM. We arrived around 1PM, and was prepared for an hour. I was 1st to be treated, then Gail, then 3 others.

Myself and Gail goofing before the surgery
Photo courtesy of Noy Consolacion

Dr. Rory Go positions me as Dr Edward Uy (in purple scrubs) prepares.
Photo courtesy of Noy Consolacion 

The procedure was generally painless. It was awesome that I could see clearly immediately after the surgery.

Gail and myself after the surgery.
Photo courtesy of Noy Consolacion

The next 2 days was terrible. I slept most of the time with my shades on, to allow my eyes to heal. I also got myself swimming goggles to wear while taking a bath.

Easter Monday came, and I went back to the doctor for post-operative check. I was doing good and healing on schedule. I was advised that my vision would fluctuate from time to time, as my eyes continue to heal. I got clearance to drive and run after 2 days.

I finally drove my car come Wednesday.

A week after, my doctor re-checked my eyes, and everything's great. Praise God!

I laced up last Tuesday and ran 2.5kms. What a bliss! I ran again the following day, and covered 6kms.

I will be visiting my doctor on May 23. Hope my eyes will be completely healed by then, and that I will have clearance to hit the water for swimming.

I praise and thank God for blessing me with regained vision. I also praise and thank God for dear friends who prayed for my continues healing.

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Weight Management Situations & Action Plans

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!

What a looooooooooooooooong way to lose the pounds again!

Allow me to share to you some of my weight management situations [S] that creates a domino effect resulting to another situation, and my one and only action plan to arrest these and be back to normal (hopefully).

S1: New Career
Yep!  I shifted gears and moved to another company sometime in October 2010, to pursue a career in an industry I've dreamed of since childhood.  Well, technically, I've been once part of this industry way back in November 1999, only to leave after 9 months to pursue further studies.

It took me sometime to achieve my dream job.  My previous work experiences were gained from different industries (pre-need/insurance and retail).  My hard work, self study, relationship building, problem solving, and prayers finally paid of.  I was thankful that everything fell into proper perspective last year, that gave me the green light to move on.

Moving to another company means a LOT of adjustments.  And in my case, such would be very evident as I gain weight.  Its because I really put my heart into my craft, and all other things  (especially physical activities) take the back seat.  Add the social functions that goes with the job, and we have the perfect formula for a completely sedentary lifestyle.


S2: Soaring Fuel Prices

EXAG!

This adds pressure to my already worsening situation.  This made me rationalize some of my trips and limit my workouts in places near my work and residence.


S3: SLEX Toll Hike

Mas EXAG!
Nichols/C5 to Sucat: 56% increase | Skyway Sucat: 25% increase

I always take alternate routes than pay toll in SLEX.  But in an attempt to create some quality time for workouts and rest, and save some fuel to address S2, I've decided some weeks ago to take SLEX and just reallocate budget.

And the romance didn't last long.  Last Tuesday, SLEX toll increased like crazy!  DARN!


Action Plan:  Milo-APEX Running School

Image Source: Milo-APEX Running School Facebook Page

I'm pinning my hopes to this program to arrest my weight gain horrors.  Praise God I gave in to the pressure of team mates in TEAM BORING.  This will compel me to train on a regular schedule, in a single location.  I will also be forced to trust and follow live coaches.

In perseverance, I'm sure I will once again rev up my metabolism and lose weight.  Achieving a better marathon time would simply be cherry for me.

Wish me luck and see you on the road!

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MRI

The nagging pain and discomfort on my right knee prompted my good friend, Doc Topher, to advise me to undergo MRI.

I then remembered, my sports doctor gave me an MRI request last December 2009 when I had my knee checked. He said that I use that request should I feel bothered by the pain in the coming months. And so last Thursday, I went to the hospital for the imaging.

Photo Source: http://chattahbox.com/images/2009/05/mri_imaging_machine.jpg

I am completely clueless with the activity. All I know, is that I'll be placed inside a very big scanner and wait for a few minutes without moving (simple? NAH!).

IT WAS BORING! Yep! I got bored with the noise even with the aid of headphones. But the experience made me realize that it was an opportunity to pray, and felt God's presence in that lonely room.

After the imaging and as I change back to my clothes, I saw some films with the image of a skull. At that instant, I praised and thanked God for blessing me to only have my lower body placed inside that MRI machine.

Will post again for the results and courses of action.

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Benefits of Running

Yey! Finally, I completed the Coca-Cola Contoured Glass collection from Mc Donald's!

World Cup 2010 Collection

Big deal?? YEAH! Well, I only got two [2] when a similar promo was ran in 2008. Why? I was already conscious with my food intake, and firmly resolved to get back in the pink of health.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Collection

Yep, I got health issues back then. And I was totally out of shape (see my pictures below). Good thing, 2008 was my fitness awakening year. You can read about my fitness journey here, here, and here.

Office [Oct 2005]

Boracay [Feb 2005]

To lose weight, I workout in the gym and reduced food intake. I was successful until I hit the plateau after nine [9] months.

2009 was my running awakening year. And since then, I eat whatever I want, and yet I continue to lose weight. Of course, I still watch my diet, but I no longer starve myself.

33rd Milo [July 2009]

PAU 50k Tanay [May 2010]

34th Milo [July 2010]

I love running! It made me enjoy food, win new friends, and improve my health. But wait, there's more...

With Rich Asuncion [December 2010]

With Lovi Poe [December 2010]

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Fighting Fat

At 164lbs with 25% body fat (March 29. 2010)
Photo courtesy of Marga Baula

I love to eat! Yep! You read it right, and I'll say it again: I love to eat! Eating for me is a celebration. An opportunity to share food and fun. In my twenties, I practically lived a sedentary life and ballooned in the process.

Hey, it's me!
Photo courtesy of Venice Bayongan

Health problems haunted me. Before it got any serious, I had a change of heart and mind, and resolved to get back in shape.

I hit the gym, went on a diet, and was successful. I'm very happy in my journey from FAT to FIT.

In 2009, I was introduced to running, and I loved it! It felt very liberating! I viewed running as another way to celebrate life. Since then, I made running a way of life.

Running complemented my love for eating. My weight when I started running was 175 lbs. And I observed that as I build up my mileage, my weight decreases without reducing food intake. My observation was validated when I read John Bingham's book, Marathoning for Mortals, for he mentioned that going on a diet while preparing for a marathon may not be appropriate for a newbie runner like me.

Reducing food intake does not appeal much to me. I remember in 2008 where I limited food intake while working out in the gym made me a very grouchy monster. I don't want to experience the same, and had to beg off from Rico's invite for me to participate in the 1st edition of the Biggest Loser Contest (BLC) amongst Takbo.ph members.

Did I mention that I love eating?? hehehe
Photo courtesy of Roy Gonzales

Come 2010, Rico re-introduced the BLC. For the 2nd edition, contenders will not only have to shed off weight, but also fat. Objective is to encourage all participants to develop lean mass while losing weight, and hopefully reveal the abdominal muscles.

He's Rico Villanueva, not Jonjon Hernandez hehehe
Photo courtesy of Marga Baula

I was again hesitant to join. In the Takbo.ph forum, I posted "I wanna join, but am afraid a change in diet would affect my Condura/BDM plans... perhaps joining after these races would be the best time to challenge you guys." But Rico was keen to motivate the members, posting "This really means that we should endeavor to lose weight by sensible diet (not crash diet) and regular exercise."

I'm still thinking very hard about it. But a normal shoutbox discussion with fellows Topher, Angel, and Junar became a dare and we all ended up joining the 2nd edition, just for fun hahaha. I'm not a weight loss expert. I'm just another ordinary buddy with some victories in the weight loss arena. Sharing to you the things that guided me in my new journey:

1. Bryan's win in BLC 1st edition was truly remarkable. His journey was a tough act to follow. I was reminded not to sacrifice calorie intake and increase the activities.

2. I remember one time, Marga wished me luck in my BLC journey. In jester, I replied "I'm hungry." She then told me "You're a runner! Don't starve yourself. You'll lose weight in the process."

3. Roselle in one of our training runs, told me "Having enough sleep is a major factor to reduce weight."

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Most hunger pangs are caused by dehydration.

5. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.

6. Eat only when there's sunlight.

7. To lose fat, don't eat fat!

8. Train in the aerobic zone (aka fat-burning zone).

9. Muscles help burn fat while resting.

10. Reward and eat your heart's desires on weekends.

At 167.6 lbs with 33.4% body fat (1st week of January 2010)
Photo courtesy of Rico Villanueva

After 404.61kms of running, 112.9kms of spin biking, 1.5kms of swimming, enough sleep and a sensible diet, I submitted myself to the final weigh in last Tuesday, March 29, 2010, and yielded a decrease of 3.6lbs in weight and 8.3% of body fat.

My 1st Aquathlon (will blog about it soon)
Photo courtesy of Julie Reyes

How did I fared in the contest? Well, I lose to this guy:

Good friend, Topher Montaos, MD (puede natin pa-drug test? hehehe)
Photo courtesy of Marga Baula

My journey from FAT to FIT continues, until I transition from FIT to FAB. As a parting shot, I only have this to say:

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