Today I was introduced to a half-marathoner, legit instructor (who actually knows the science behind exercises and is happy and willing to share the knowledge unlike most trainers I see doing nothing helpful at the gym while they're doing absolutely nothing) and he gave me some training tips for my run.
So, yeah, this is slowly evolving into more than "I don't care what happens as long as I finish the 10k without stopping to walk."
Until tonight, I didn't really stretch or warm up properly. Stretch was the usual bed stretch upon waking up and warm up was walking to my jog site. Now I was taught to stretch my ankles, my hips. To warm up for 4 minutes with full body routines: jumping jacks, squats, jump ropes, push ups.
By the time that first part was done, I didn't know if I would still be able to run. Mind you, it was the first time i was running without sunlight. I felt heavy with food, toxins, and work stress. But then I ended up running faster!
The only downside about tonight was... The "night" part. The road wasn't well lit and there are twice as many joggers around. The whole thing almost gave me a headache! I would now try my best to avoid evening training unless there's a better-lit, less crowded site.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Krispy Kreme's Baked Creations: baked? yes; healthful? no; recommended? definitely.
with lots of rich, delicious
ingredients like fruit,
sausage, cinnamon, bacon,
cheese or chocolate. Grab
some now with a cup of
Krispy Kreme Coffee, share
them with your friends &
make today special.
Krispy Kreme's baked creations have been around for some time now but it's only recently that we really got into them. They're not so expensive when you buy them by half-a-dozen or so. You get the same good deal with their donuts.
The flavors in my box are: blueberry, mango, apple, double chocolate, cinnamon, and bacon and cheese. They're all yummy!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Pasto (near High Street, Fort Bonifacio) - get the pizzas/sandwiches
I already have a Pasto post where I said the food was great but the desserts were dismal. I thought I'd give the restaurant justice and post some good food pics that I recommend:
1. Seafood pesto pizza
2. Any of their panini sandwiches. I prefer beef, but the pic below is vegetarian
1. Seafood pesto pizza
2. Any of their panini sandwiches. I prefer beef, but the pic below is vegetarian
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Training for my first run - Part 2
Two weeks to go!
A short recap: On November, I will be participating in a [10km] run for the first time. My goal is to survive running/jogging 10km without stopping to walk. And I have roughly three weeks to prepare myself.
I learned some new things since last week (this all started last week):
Weight Loss
On my first two runs, I dramatically lost two full pounds. I was shocked, amazed, and very pleased with that. Unfortunately, on week two, without changing anything on my diet and actually spending more minutes training -- I regained it all back.
I think the initial weight loss can be attributed to my body's shocked-response to running since it's very taxing and a completely different form compared to doing free weights. By now, my body probably knows what to expect when I run and it's conserving/spending energy appropriately. Our bodies are annoyingly efficient that way -- great for survival, terrible for aesthetics.
Food and Sleep: Speed
The other day was stressful at work: ended up 12 hours in the office. Unfortunately, this is the third week we've been staying overtime because of an upcoming deadline. Anyway, that day led to an early bedtime: lights out by 9PM and woke up fresh and giddy at 6AM.
A short recap: On November, I will be participating in a [10km] run for the first time. My goal is to survive running/jogging 10km without stopping to walk. And I have roughly three weeks to prepare myself.
I learned some new things since last week (this all started last week):
Weight Loss
On my first two runs, I dramatically lost two full pounds. I was shocked, amazed, and very pleased with that. Unfortunately, on week two, without changing anything on my diet and actually spending more minutes training -- I regained it all back.
I think the initial weight loss can be attributed to my body's shocked-response to running since it's very taxing and a completely different form compared to doing free weights. By now, my body probably knows what to expect when I run and it's conserving/spending energy appropriately. Our bodies are annoyingly efficient that way -- great for survival, terrible for aesthetics.
Food and Sleep: Speed
The other day was stressful at work: ended up 12 hours in the office. Unfortunately, this is the third week we've been staying overtime because of an upcoming deadline. Anyway, that day led to an early bedtime: lights out by 9PM and woke up fresh and giddy at 6AM.
Bulgogi Brothers in GB5
My birthday usually lasts the whole month of October :D
We had a 10% discount because we have the TGIF card thing.
My boyfriend says the food tastes exactly like what they got in Bulgogi Brothers in Korea. The only difference is that we don't get unlimited sidedishes here.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Training for my first run - Part 1
This year, my birthday gift to myself was more physical pain.
I started training myself to participate in a 10km run on November. Please do note that the only training instructions I get come from several websites I read, but what I have in here are actual experiences and I don't recommend that you follow them, but just learn from the stupid things I do.
Pre-preparation.
On 2010, my boyfriend gave me professional training sessions. That's when I got serious working out. After my first set of sessions, I took another one and was then confident enough to train by myself. So I've been working out with free weights for a year now.
For cardio, I attend group exercises that are fun and upbeat. The closest to "running" form I have is a 10-minute HIIT on the eliptical machine post-lift. I also sometimes do fasted [moderate] cardio which is mostly brisk walk for 20minutes.
Training - First week.
I know two things about running:
(1) You have to hydrate yourself. So I wake up 30minutes before I plan to hit the streets and drink 300ml before leaving.
(2) You have to wear some form of skin protection. All runners I know are dark and those who care less about their skin are dark and wrinkly. So I put a liberal amount of skin moisturizer/lotion before bed, and slap some on in the morning before leaving the door.
Monday. I did 3km jog on an empty stomach. On the third kilometer, I was wheezing and light headed and I was coughing so bad I though I'd faint. It turned out to be acid reflux.
I started training myself to participate in a 10km run on November. Please do note that the only training instructions I get come from several websites I read, but what I have in here are actual experiences and I don't recommend that you follow them, but just learn from the stupid things I do.
Pre-preparation.
On 2010, my boyfriend gave me professional training sessions. That's when I got serious working out. After my first set of sessions, I took another one and was then confident enough to train by myself. So I've been working out with free weights for a year now.
For cardio, I attend group exercises that are fun and upbeat. The closest to "running" form I have is a 10-minute HIIT on the eliptical machine post-lift. I also sometimes do fasted [moderate] cardio which is mostly brisk walk for 20minutes.
Training - First week.
I know two things about running:
(1) You have to hydrate yourself. So I wake up 30minutes before I plan to hit the streets and drink 300ml before leaving.
(2) You have to wear some form of skin protection. All runners I know are dark and those who care less about their skin are dark and wrinkly. So I put a liberal amount of skin moisturizer/lotion before bed, and slap some on in the morning before leaving the door.
Nivea Express Hydration
See my affordable, effective, super lotion.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monopoly Deal Birthday Cake "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY"
It was a wonderful treat! I skipped Krispy Kreme donuts (boo! I miss Lemon Cheesecake!!! Bring it back!!!) and went for [half] a slice of my birthday cake instead. Sinfully good!
Looks exactly like the "Birthday card" from Monopoly Deal!
Rosemary's Bakeshop
Contact info:
abbyz_fernandez@yahoo.com
(045) 982-8616
+63920-6449147
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Muscle Mania 2011
Smells fishy... or maybe that's my vanilla flavored protein shake.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
"Save the cheerleader, save the world" is a LIE
Remember the TV series Heroes? Throughout the show (at least as far as I've watched) they kept repeating "Save the cheerleader, Save the world." Pertaining to this young mutant cheerleader who had the power to regenerate cells and thus, heal (thus, is immortal), but somehow ended up dead in the future so a time-traveler went to the present and relayed that message/mission to their younger mutant selves.
I now realize that that message was bullshit. And so is my "Be honest, Stop corruption" thinking for the past eight years.
Why was I wrong?
Well, before I was wrong, I was gullible. I thought that I can achieve anything I wanted. But that was gullible because what I wanted involves everyone to want and work for the same thing - why did I even think that possible? Because what I wanted was good and gullible me assumed that everybody prioritizes the good as much as I do. If that's the truth, then why do evil people even exist now?
A debate over sugar free ice cream and crepes and the enlightenment of an older generation taught me something: I can't achieve that goal. Not by myself, and not even with my friends. The president can't achieve that goal. Why would we fare better?
Does that mean I should stop being honest? Of course not! (And of course you expected me to say that!) Being honest and stopping corruption are two good things. Unfortunately, they're not directly related in my life. For one thing, I do not condone corruption. So stopping it means stopping other people from doing it. That's like making other people be honest when they're not and they don't want to be because honesty won't buy them penthouses and jaguars and all those superficial "must have's".
Corruption exists the same way cockroaches exist. It's there.
We can discuss about steps on achieving corruption-free societies. But what's the point? It will never happen in the real world. I'm from the Vatican 2 generation; i should have known better!
Sure the ideal is desirable. But desiring it will not solve the issues at hand: I want to eradicate corruption from the Philippine government, but I either give "gifts" or be denied of my business permit, and where will that take me? If I fought the system, does that mean I was committed to the good or was I being hardheaded? What good is a fight if the results are worse than you can risk?
Did you know that some government agencies will make it more expensive and virtually impossible for you to file your real, honest taxes instead of following their under the table system? Is that much time and money worth the risk? What if that meant enrolling your kids in less expensive, less prestigious schools and risk lower quality in education. Is that worth it?
Or am i now justifying the lesser evil as good. And if I am, does that make me bad?
I remember Rorschach from Watchmen saying, "no compromise". But even believing in that character is a compromise for my principles because I don't believe murdering all corrupt authorities will change the system. I don't even believe that murder is a solution (btw, did you watch Horrible Bosses? That's a pretty funny movie).
It's late and my psychological sugar rush from sugar free chocolate ice cream dessert has subsided. I'm still confused. That's good. That means I learned something valuable and worth chewing for a few more days or weeks...
I now realize that that message was bullshit. And so is my "Be honest, Stop corruption" thinking for the past eight years.
Why was I wrong?
Well, before I was wrong, I was gullible. I thought that I can achieve anything I wanted. But that was gullible because what I wanted involves everyone to want and work for the same thing - why did I even think that possible? Because what I wanted was good and gullible me assumed that everybody prioritizes the good as much as I do. If that's the truth, then why do evil people even exist now?
A debate over sugar free ice cream and crepes and the enlightenment of an older generation taught me something: I can't achieve that goal. Not by myself, and not even with my friends. The president can't achieve that goal. Why would we fare better?
Does that mean I should stop being honest? Of course not! (And of course you expected me to say that!) Being honest and stopping corruption are two good things. Unfortunately, they're not directly related in my life. For one thing, I do not condone corruption. So stopping it means stopping other people from doing it. That's like making other people be honest when they're not and they don't want to be because honesty won't buy them penthouses and jaguars and all those superficial "must have's".
Corruption exists the same way cockroaches exist. It's there.
We can discuss about steps on achieving corruption-free societies. But what's the point? It will never happen in the real world. I'm from the Vatican 2 generation; i should have known better!
Sure the ideal is desirable. But desiring it will not solve the issues at hand: I want to eradicate corruption from the Philippine government, but I either give "gifts" or be denied of my business permit, and where will that take me? If I fought the system, does that mean I was committed to the good or was I being hardheaded? What good is a fight if the results are worse than you can risk?
Did you know that some government agencies will make it more expensive and virtually impossible for you to file your real, honest taxes instead of following their under the table system? Is that much time and money worth the risk? What if that meant enrolling your kids in less expensive, less prestigious schools and risk lower quality in education. Is that worth it?
Or am i now justifying the lesser evil as good. And if I am, does that make me bad?
I remember Rorschach from Watchmen saying, "no compromise". But even believing in that character is a compromise for my principles because I don't believe murdering all corrupt authorities will change the system. I don't even believe that murder is a solution (btw, did you watch Horrible Bosses? That's a pretty funny movie).
It's late and my psychological sugar rush from sugar free chocolate ice cream dessert has subsided. I'm still confused. That's good. That means I learned something valuable and worth chewing for a few more days or weeks...
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sims Social on Facebook - the new craze
1. Simoleons - money
2. Playfish cash to buy special items
3. Social points to buy special items
4. Energy - to accomplish tasks
5. Level bar - fill it up to level up!
Right side top to bottom:
1. Queue of activities
2. "Happiness" - gain enough of it to become "Inspired" (to earn twice as much Simoleons from leveling up skills)
3. Social happiness - make telephone calls and/or visit neighbors (and do something there) to increase level
4. Fun happiness - play games or browse the Internet on your computer. Play musical instruments for fun. Watch television, etc.
Bottom left to right:
1. Quests/Tasks - complete these to level up your Sim
2. Happiness items - level up all items to reach "Inspired" state
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Senator says "Masturbation is abortion" on RH Bill
So guess what issues our [Filipino] lawmakers have been tackling lately:
1. Ban planking by Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo
2. Ban Angry Birds (actually a hoax)
3. [Re: RH Bill] "Masturbation is abortion" by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile
This would have been funny if it wasn't happening in real life. Except for #2 which was a hoax, but after #1, what could we possible NOT expect?
But it is happening in the Philippines. And you still wonder why so many people simply want to fly out of here?
What about Change?
What about it? We see changes all the time: unfortunately, it's about getting worse.
1. Ban planking by Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo
2. Ban Angry Birds (actually a hoax)
3. [Re: RH Bill] "Masturbation is abortion" by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile
This would have been funny if it wasn't happening in real life. Except for #2 which was a hoax, but after #1, what could we possible NOT expect?
But it is happening in the Philippines. And you still wonder why so many people simply want to fly out of here?
What about Change?
What about it? We see changes all the time: unfortunately, it's about getting worse.
Carinderia Fiesta 2011 - it's an exhibit, not a feast
But we were there and my company was great!
I had sweet and sour tilapia from one of the stalls - truly Filipino-style. It was more sweet than sour and the carrots and bell peppers were fresh.
My brothers were more (or were they actually less?) adventurous and chose to streetfoods: isaw (chicken intestines; pictured below), betamax (pork blood), etc. dipped in spiced vinegar and eaten with rice!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Malcolm's Burger - delicious sandwiches
Post workout, we ordered three different sandwiches from Malcolm's Burger but I can't remember their names although I remember some crucial points:
1. A vegetarian sandwich
2. A steak sandwich with wasabi sauce
3. A grilled chicken sandwich
I heard that their burgers are delectable, too, but we were in the mood for sandwiches so the pictures are shown in the above order:
1. A vegetarian sandwich
2. A steak sandwich with wasabi sauce
3. A grilled chicken sandwich
I heard that their burgers are delectable, too, but we were in the mood for sandwiches so the pictures are shown in the above order:
Monday, October 3, 2011
Chocolate Fire: go straight for dessert
Dinner for two at Chocolate Fire cost us Php1300++
We got:
We got:
- Spaghetti Bolognese
- Same quality you'll get from The Old Spaghetti House
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Fresh salad, tasty chicken (recommended for salad lovers!)
- A dark chocolate drink topped with vanilla ice cream
- The best item on this list
- A slice of chocolate ganache cake
- The topping and the filling is good, but I prefer the cake bread dense
- Less than a 100grams of different flavored chocolate barks
- They have a healthy set of choices. I just don't understand why the orange slices dipped in chocolate cost so much! I really wanted to try it... maybe I'll be more adventurous and extravagant next time...
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Shiseido's Perfumed Soap - smells great!
I'm a Dove and an Olay bath soap fan. My dermatologist suggested that I stick to mild soaps and I've been using either of the two for the past 10 years.
Some people can't stand them because compared to using "harsher" soaps (like Safeguard), they say they feel like it's so difficult to wash off. That just takes getting used to. It's the moisturizer that you feel. I think people should try it/them (a whole bar please, not just one bath), especially if you're not the type who regularly puts on lotion.
So one morning I ran out of soap (How the hell does that happen? I see how small it gets every day. Why can't I remember to buy a new pack?). I always have extra soaps in my cabinet (Maybe that's why...) - gifts from friends, liquid soaps from hotels, free stuffs from the supermarket, etc. So it's no biggie. I took out this year-old Shiseido Perfumed Soap. It's tiny so I can quickly switch to a new pack of Dove/Olay when it runs out.
I was expecting hotel-soap quality. It turned out to be really good. It's not so harsh, but it's also not as mild as my regular soaps. And it really does smell nice! I won't switch to it. But it's nice to know that it's pretty good quality.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
"Pure" Bottled Water
Grammatically that means it solely contains water poured into the bottle. That makes sense. But I buy bottled water because I can't drink tap water (Attention foreigners: tap water in Metro Manila is NOT safe for drinking) and I want to make sure I'm drinking clean water.
If this a "get what you see" product, then I can't safely assume it's actually purified...
Or does "pure" mean "purified" in this industry?
Is it a safe assumption?
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