Day 89 of 365: #StreakIntoSpring Challenge

2nd March 2013
I bought a new pair of running shoes when my sister signed us up at the gym on the 21st of Jan. I only now have broken them in and they feel fine.

Not as great as my Brooks though I have to say.

 Wow, 80 days into the challenge and talk about inconsistencies! Yes, I have to say I am disappointed in myself. I kind of had a good start but you know something, I have to accept the fact that I will relapse. A change of habit DOES NOT happen over night.
Speaking of which, my eating habits have become a bit...how do I put it? Poor/lazy/careless. All to describe one thing: you guessed it, FAST FOOD. It is more expensive to eat out and you definitely feel the crappiness of it all after a week or two. I'm ending this fastfood fling and eating better. You know you need to when your body craves certain foods like, oh I don't know, produce!
Last month was yes, fast food month. Due to the projects I've been working on, it was accessible and came in excess.
So thankfully to this month's challenge via sparkpeople.com I'm starting March off right and going to challenge myself to "Steak into Spring" and keep the streak going so I can continue with my marathon training and body building.

(Feel Better and Get Fitter by Spring!)
"For the next 20 days, make a point to fit at least 10 minutes of exercise into your day, and keep the steak fling up until the end of Winter, etc...using the hashtag #streakintospring to stay accountable..."

It's going to be great! I feel really good after having walked 45 minutes tonight. It's hard sometimes to begin but once I'm warmed up, I just keep going.
Thought for tonight:
Don't look back on what you didn't do. Focus on what's to come and the NOW.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 71 of 365: From Running Back to Walking

12th Feb. 2013

Trying to get my lazy ass back on track. It can be dangerous to just start running again. Oh those damn baby steps!

Short walk but sweet.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 56 of 365: Upper Body, again

28th Jan. 2013

1. 15 kg weights
2. 7.5 each side smith machine
3. 15 kg

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 49 of 365: Upper Body

21st Jan 2013
Upper Body: Weights Variation

1. 15 kg
2. 7.5 kg smith machine.
3. 15 kg
4. 1/2 set 35 lbs. bar
1/2 set 15 kg weights
2-3 set 10kg bar
5. 10 kg

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 44 of 365: The Gym

16 Jan. 2013

Strength Training
1. 2.5kg + 5kg
2. 2.5kg + 5kg
3. 15
4. 30kg machine
5. 10kg

STAIRMASTER
36 flights
.77 miles
102k/cal burned
20 minutes

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 30 of 365: Trekking Batad Rice Terraces

2nd Jan. 2013
Batad Rice Terraces

The pain in my hams and glutes are quite like no other. But the feeling of having trekked this much and seen this much is well worth it! Again, what a healthy, happy, awesome way to start the new year!

Really, truly, fortunate.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 28 of 365: Banaue

31st Dec. 2012
•New Year's Eve
•Goodbye to a great Director and Friend

The 9-hour bus ride started out a bit rough. We broke down almost every hour and I was a bit worried we'd never make it to Banaue. But we did and as dawn broke the misty mountains welcomed us.

We checked in at Banaue hotel and had some brunch. I had a ham and cheese sandwich with cucumber and tomatoes and homemade chips. Finished it off with some coffee and pineapple cake.

After a 4-hour nap and a village tour we came back to have some dinner. I had chicken terriyaki which would have been nice except the sauce was too salty. Rice and veggies were cooked to perfection and local. Coffee and bread rolls of course! Tomorrow it's spelunking!

Side note: a good friend and mentor passed away this New Year's Eve. Rest in Peace sweet Papa Bear. Tomorrow's adventure is in your honor.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 27 of 365: Eating Just Enough

30th Dec. 2012

Started the day with a nice Filipino breakfast: coffee, fried eggs, garlic fried rice, tapa. Then ended the day with a variety of things during a family dinner at Vikings Luxury Buffet near Manila Bay.

The thing is, my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I didn't quite finish most of the foodies except for the salad and coffee and some dessert.

It made me a bit sad to think that my beachbody is falling a bit behind.

Upside though, I swam with dolphins! Amazing!!!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 26 of 365: Swimming with Dolphins

29th Dec. 2012
Swimming with Dolphins

What an amazing day!!!!
This vacation is just getting better and better! Got to swim with one of the most intelligent creatures ever!

Also, had an 'ok' breakfast. U was a bit disappointed with the runny eggs, the overlooked sausages and the undercooked garlic in my fried rice.

Skipped lunch.

Dinner was better, having grilled chicken kebabs, veggies and coffee. Finished it off with some dessert and a night safari.

Life is good!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 25 of 365: Roadtrip Food

28th Dec. 2012
Food on the Road

It's difficult sometimes to eat clean while on vacation. Unfortunately, the Philippines is not exactly vegetarian-friendly. Most dishes consist of meat and processed food.

On the road is even harder but nevertheless, today I tried and only ate until I was full.

Discipline...starts...(sort of) now.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 24 of 365: Great Filipino Food

27th Dec. 2012
Fine Dining

...and the food just keeps getting better!

My grandma brought us I a wonderful Filipino Cuisine restaurant in Makati called XO 46 Bistro. I absolutely loved the stuffed eggplant, the soups, the appetizers and the dessert!

We later killed some time at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, once again rewarding myself with another coffee book planner. That if which I am giving to friends. Starting the year off with generosity right?!

Later that night we had a production meeting at Tapella in Greenbelt 5 Makati City. It's Spanish-American fusion and quite tasty.

Lots of goodies today. Maybe too much.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 23 of 365: Movies and Junk Food

26th Dec. 2012

Today was one of the last days for the Manila Film Festival. We decided to partake and I insisted to watch "El Presisente" the life of President Emilip Aguinaldo, the very first Philippine President.

What you don't see in this collage of junk food is the Jollibee burger and fries I practically inhaled.

Goodness me! I'm going to pay for this!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 22 of 365: Christmas Day

25th Dec. 2012
Christmas Day

Early this morning we attended Mass with my grandma. No morning run, no quick 15 minute circuit. Instead, it was straight to lunch for more fine dining.

My grandma loves Chinese food and brought us to yet another gourmet restaurant. The service was horrible but the food was pretty descent. I quite enjoyed the fried tofu which was about the "healthiest" thing on the menu.

Later that day, we visited my maternal grandpa for a but then went to have dinner at The Village Tavern which is supposedly American cuisine. Of course it is not and I was not really enjoying my "sweet" salad doused in candied walnuts, sweet vinaigrette, eggs, bacon, and believe it or not, a muffin.

I thought to splurge and get a "freshly squeezed" lemonade but to my disappointment, tasted like concentrate and was waaaay too tart!

Surely, the food was good at best the the company was great! Here's to "hopefully" better food the remaining days!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 21 of 365: Noche Buena, Christmas Dinner

24th Dec. 2012
Christmas Eve

We had a nice Christmas Eve lunch at a gourmet Chinese restaurant feasting on dim sum, soup cooked on the open hot pot, and fine buchi. It was fun and delicious but of course incredibly fatty and unhealthy and I can't wait to start running again!

Here in the Philippines, Noche Buena, or Christmas Dinner is one of the most important occasions for Filipinos. Adapted during the years of Spanish colonization, this is the time where families feast on delicious food, open gifts, and attend mass.

As you can tell, we had a lot of fun, and a lot of food. I particularly enjoyed the rum cake. Oh my!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 19 of 365: Friends and More Food

22nd Dec. 2012
Visiting with Friends

I'm not going to lie. This is a bit of a difficult feat for me.

THERE'S SO MANY TEMPTING YUMMIES!

So how's my training doing you ask. It has stopped.

Yes, I have stopped exercising since we've arrived.

Disappointing? Yes. But still I haven't given up on documenting my food.

I'm happy right now. I think you can tell by all the food I'm consuming. It doesn't help they we also visited a food bazaar...after having a snack at Starbucks.

Oh my goodness! Then we found chicken and waffles which were rather tasty. Yet, as much food as you see here, I tasted, smelled, licked, but DID NOT over-indulge.

I may have stopped with my training but I am somewhat of a small-portions water now too!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 18 of 365: "It's the End of the World as we Know it and

21st Dec. 2012
It's the end if the world, supposedly.

...and yet I'm still here...and eating away.

My hopes of having some sort of routine failed today.

1st: I woke up late.
2nd: We had a heavy (yet delightful lunch)
3rd: My attempt to get a hardcore swim workout failed because the water was freeeeezing!
4th: I was surprisingly very, very hungry today. All I could think about was TOAST...and BUTTER!

Anyhow, tomorrow is a new day. I know, it's a bit ambitious to start a routine while in vacation. But I realized that IF I REALLY, TRULY WANT IT TO HAPPEN, IT'S UP TO ME TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

So for today's end-of-the-world feast:
Malaysian Food
Toast
Banana
Chocolates
Dessert pudding
Hotdog sandwich
Two hot chocolates
And plenty of water.

Tomorrow morning, I'm going to the gym. I'm getting my routine ON!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 17 of 365: Friends and Food

20th Dec. 2012
Reunion Time...that also means food time!

So I had a wonderful evening with my fantastic friends from high school when it occurred to me, I need a routine.

No really, I NEED A ROUTINE!

The hubby and I had a late breakfast and I mean LATE. And yes, it was because of me. Having woken up at 11am I pretty much lounged about and was only ready to go at around 3pm.

Honestly, I need a routine and here's why:

1. A routine keeps you on track with meals. That means your glucose doesn't affect you which also means you turn into a beast by the time you realize how hungry you are. Plus, you don't overeat.

2. You don't feel lost or confused in what to do that day. Yes, that included exercise in the equation.

Speaking of which...

3. A routine also means having schedules a work out in your day.

Today we walked to and fro our destinations and it was great. We also saved a whole lot of money because we didn't pay for a cab.

4. A routine keeps you in check and on track regardless of whether or not you're on vacation.

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 16 of 365: Dehydration on Vacation

19th Dec. 2012
Dehydration on Vacation

Sometimes you forget about be ONE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE: WATER and plenty of it!

Today, I had to pee in a cup. Yes, you read that correctly. As part of acquiring a driver's license here in the Philippines, one of the things you have to go through is a medical exam and yes, that includes a urine sample. Thanks to that I realized how dehydrated I was.

Despite water being the only thing I drink anymore (okay maybe coffee too), I discovered I still haven't been drinking as much. What a toll this pits on my body! The irritability, the feeling of almost passing out, the heat all leads up to this: dehydration.

The food may seem like a lot but again, I really didn't have much. The heat was really getting to me. Not much of an appetite.

No exercise again today. Unless i count the 15-minute walk from the mall to my grandma's. Tomorrow is definitely going to be a hardcore workout. Watch out all! I'm still here!

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 15 of 365: Vacation Food

18th Dec. 2012
Vacation and Food

It's been tough. I'm not going to lie. As much as I TRY TRY TRY to have something healthy, all fails to happen.

Especially with a family that loves to eat...about anything and everything. I'm feeling a bit sick. I am also disliking fried, fast food.

So what did I do? Small portions. That's right! Pat on the back for me! Yup! To avoid feeling like crap, I pretty much bit into each and everything and left it at that. I ate until I reached just about full (not stuffed) and DONE!

No exercise today I'm afraid.
Definitely having withdrawals!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.

Day 14 of 365: On Traveling

17th Dec. 2012
While on the Road or in the Air

It's hard to adjust to a new environment t sometimes. I know his to be true having moved every 5 years. Food and staying active are the most affected by such changes.

By this I mean seeking COMFORT FOOD.

We headed for Manila today and having scrambling and getting some last-minute packing done, I completely skipped breakfast and lunch. So at the airport I had my usual coffee latte and consumed a tuna sandwich for late lunch. It was fine. Too much mayo though. My sister decided to get something sweet So I had a bite of chocolate cake and Sans Rival, a Filipino butter cake and buttery it was!

It didn't quite hit the spot. I was looking for something fruity, citrusy even! But what can you get at an airport except for airport food.

We arrived in Manila and my folks brought us out to dinner. We ate at a cook-your-own-food BBQ hot pot place. I'll be honest, I used to LOVE these kinds if restaurants but now I realize how poor the quality of produce, meat, and seafood is served.

Major TURN-OFF!

I admit, I didn't eat much. Most I had to spit out. The chicken broth was too salty so it was exactly hitting the spot.

The only that I found great was the banana I practically inhaled.

If there's one soup place I'd like to revisit it would be Pho Hoa. Vietnamese food is sooo delicious and refreshing!

Here's to (hopefully) better dining experiences! And to more runs!

-KE

*Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program.  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25, is for informational and educational purposes only and any use thereof is solely at your own risk  "Running Like the Wind Blows." or twitter.com/RunnerKE25 and the author bears no responsibility thereof.