Last Weekend

Been busy with work, and I LOVE IT! I really thrive when I’m busy. Plus, this tetta just got promoted, so I’m feeling even more inspired. 😁

The only difference between this weekend and our other weekends is that we had breakfasts with our friends. The rest, it's the same old weekend for my husband and I. Yeah, we always do the same thing (we're boring like that!): eat out, watch TV, motorcycle rides, his basketball, my long runs every Sunday, Bentang (it's separate from "eating out" because it doesn’t feel like eating out at all, more like an extension of our house, hhahaha), and my most favorite, tambay and tabi sa kapehan. :)

Anyway, here are some pics/vids:

Breakfast with Ez, Jern, and Leo at Te Amo Cafe! It was short and looking forward to next month's!. Pic from Jern.

Motorcycle ride to Busay. I LOVED THE WIND. This is my husband’s therapy, and I’m so happy to support it, because I love it too!

With my husband’s teammates. We had breakfast at Humba Heaven. The view is amazing, and the food is good and sinful. I ate but didn’t finish the rice. I mean, one unhealthy meal won’t kill me, right? Anyway, I always love hanging out with my husband’s teammates. These young people could be my kids, but they’re super fun!

My supposed 20k long run that I didn’t finish because I started late and it was already so hot at 6:30. Anyway, I love this run because I actually ran from Pooc, Talisay to Il Corso, ON THE HIGHWAY! It’s a different experience, and I love it. My husband was tailing me on his motorcycle, like a guard, hahahaha.

We stopped at Il Corso, and I ran there for a while. I loved the view and the wind, but after a few back-and-forths, it already felt like running on a treadmill, which is blah.

Breakfast at McDonald’s Il Corso. First time trying the Cheesy McMuffin, and I love it! I tasted pesto, so I’m not sure if that’s the sauce they’re using.

I’m sooo sooo happy that my husband joined their company’s basketball league! He used to be a varsity player in high school, so he looooves the game. I mean, if you’ve been reading my blog, I’m sure you can already tell.

Anyway, here's his rebound! He’s worked hard on his cardio, and now he can actually run back and forth on the court without feeling like he’s dying. So happy for him and so proud! 💕

My husband’s basketball team. Yup, only five of them showed up for this game, no substitutions for this bunch. They lost, obviously, but it was still a good game!

My favorite person to hang out with! 💕

Alright, gotta go! 'Til next blog! 💛

RACE DAY: Puma Cebu Half Marathon

So.. I signed up for a 10K. Because apparently, surviving a stroke, managing diabetes and hypertension, and leading a team full-time wasn’t challenging enough. I decided to suffer in public with a bib number. Hahahaha

But honestly? I’ve never been happier to suffer.

I trained for 13 weeks with Runna (Pilates, strength, and yoga in between). I started with a 10K time of 1 hour and 27 minutes, and finished the race at 1 hour and 7 minutes (fine, officially 1:08:44, but my watch says 1:07:46, so opkors we’re going with that).

Let's me first show you my race results:

Chip Time: 1:08:44
Gun Time: 1:09:16
Pace: 6:52 min/km
Overall Rank: 278th out of 1,451 runners
Female Rank: 63rd
Age Group: (40–44): 9th

9th? 9TH???? THAT'S SINGLE-DIGIT CATEGORY, BABY!  I mean.. PAKPAK!!! 

Opkors this has to be the first pic aka the cover photo 😁

The week leading up to the race felt different. I was excited in a way that’s hard to describe, like aside from my husband and family, this race was something I was living for.

The night before, I laid everything out (just like every rookie runner), shoes (I wore my Puma Deviate Nitro 3 and brought along my Adizero as a back-up pair), bib, socks, and my orange race shirt. I couldn’t even sleep properly. I woke up at 11 p.m. like an excited kid on Christmas Eve. My husband, of course, slept peacefully until the alarm at midnight because someone in this marriage is normal, at least in this case.

I didn’t overthink my fueling this time. The night before, I had a proper carb party; Bentang's Pancit  with half rice and a fried egg. It has veggies and meat so I call that balance. The last time I did a 14K run (see blog here), I ate the same thing and felt great, so I went with what worked. On race morning, I had two slices of wheat bread with peanut butter and a banana. Then, right before the race, I drank half a bottle of Pocari Sweat.

By the time we got to the venue, my heart was racing because of excitement. I LOOOOVVEE THE VIBE! I finally get why people pay money for races like this!

my life and my everything!

this tetta is exzoited!!!

Gun start was at 2:40 a.m., and I appreciate that it started on time. And you know what, I cried at the starting line when the announcer said, “Thank God we’re alive.” It hit me so hard because yes, THANK GOD IM ALIVE!

Before my stroke, I couldn’t even finish 8K. I struggled with 7. But now, 10K is easy. And this? This race is proof that I am making use of the second chance God gave me! YES!

I wrote about my stroke here and my recovery journey here.

😁

Anyway, I enjoyed the first 5K. It was easy, I was singing, my playlist was amazing. And also, I’d say that I loved the route. It was roadside, then riverside, and it’s so cool because the lights just looked like stars. I stuck to my planned 7:00/km pace, though it's really tempting to sprint early. I didn’t take water until the 8th kilometer to avoid feeling heavy like in my past long run. From kilometers 6 to 8, I slightly sped up to around 6:45–6:55/km, then went all out in the last 2K, hitting around 5:00/km at one point. The road was wet. There were slippery spots, but honestly, it made it even more fun. I was hopping and skipping around puddles, laughing to myself. It was so fun and yes, I can hop now. hahha

Then my watch beeped,10 kilometers done. I decided to walk, and honestly, I still regret that moment. If I hadn’t slowed down, I might’ve landed in the Top 5 for my age group. With just 120 meters left, I started running again but by then, it was too late. Still, no complaints. I’m happy with my result. SO HAPPY!!!

As I neared the finish line, I slowed down to look for my husband, and there he was, smiling proudly and taking a video. That same warm smile he’s always had since day one made my heart full. After crossing the line (yes, I flexed a bit, hopefully they caught it on camera), I grabbed my loot bag and met him there. He asked how it went, and I couldn’t stop talking about it. When we saw the “PR Bell” for runners who beat their personal record, of course, we lined up. It was the perfect way to celebrate.

After that race, I just felt this overwhelming need to tell everyone, that this wasn’t just a 10K. This was me finishing as a stroke survivor, someone honoring the second chance that God gave me. This medal doesn’t just represent running, it represents everything I went through, the hospital days, the slow recovery, the tiny victories, the hard days, and the decision to keep showing up.

Right after I grabbed my medal, I took a selfie and sent it to my husband, mom, and siblings. 

With my friend, Vino, who finished strong, waaayyy faster than me! 💪

Then we finally sat down, talked some more about the race, ate the classic post-run banana, and decided it was time for breakfast. Ofcourse, I ate a lot. Of course, it had to be Bentang's pancit. After that, we grabbed some coffee, and I took a quick nap before heading out to watch the CESAFI games, our usual Sunday routine.

We didn’t finish the whole game this time though. Exhaustion hit us hard. I’d been up since 11 PM, my husband since midnight. We’re definitely not in our twenties anymore. It was the first time we didn’t stay for the final match, which was a bit of a letdown since it was USJR (my favorite team this season!) versus UC, both really good teams.

But honestly, by the time we got home, we were done. Completely wiped out. I slept for nine hours straight, and my husband for ten.

And that, my friends, is how my 10K went. 

I’m so thankful for my husband, my mom, and my siblings who’ve all been part of this journey and who’ve patiently listened to my endless running talk. Actually me and my brother, Kab, we always talk about running. He's my distant running buddy (he's in the US) who just crushed a half marathon in under two hours. UNDER TWO HOURS!! He’s amazing! I’m so proud of him! I can’t wait for the day we run together back home.

And to you, thank you for being here. Whether you found this on TikTok, Threads, Twitter, or (most likely) Facebook. 'Til next blog.💛

Longest Run of My Life (updated)!

At Starbucks SM, waiting for my husband while he does his thing with the ADV 160 Club event. I was supposed to be watching CESAFI with my friend Leo while he did his thing, but today’s games got cancelled. I was bummed because I was really excited. I was hoping I’d get Leo hooked too.

Anyway, before I dive into what I actually want to talk about in this blog, let me just say it, I LOVE BASKETBALL! My husband and I get particularly hyped when it’s CESAFI season. We’ve been watching for years, but last year, we really got into it, watching every weekend. My husband has become a fan of UV, and I had been too, but this year, I’m rooting for USJR. Most of the players were high schoolers last year and even played against Ateneo for the championship. They’re good, and although they’re not superstars (yet), I love their never-say-die attitude. I can’t stand players who show a defeated attitude. I mean, what’s the point? I adore watching those who fight until the very last second. Those are my people! Anyway, I’m super excited to see them tomorrow!

Soooooo… September just flew by. I didn’t write anything. I don’t even know what kept me busy. Well, there’s CESAFI, and my runs are getting longer. Can you believe 9K is now an easy run for me? Like a normal Tuesday run. I mean, ghorl, who you?? Hahaha! Anyway, September just zipped by, and now we’re in Q4 of 2025. Man…

Last weekend, I ran my longest distance yet: 15K!!! I KNOW! These 42-year-old knees can still handle 15K. I am so proud! This is part of my 13-week, 10K plan by Runna. I registered for a race on October 26, the Puma Cebu Half Marathon. I’ll run 10K, and that’s what this training is for. I AM SUPER DUPER EXCITED! I’m hoping for a PR, but I’m not aiming for a specific time. I’ll just be there to enjoy it, soak in the race, the event, and watching my husband take one-million videos of me (he looks so funny!), where maybe only one or two actually make me look cute. Hahahaha!

So, how was the 15K run? Tiring. My body felt heavy that day. I ate too much breakfast and drank too much water. I had to do two pee breaks! What I’ll change for my 14K run tomorrow: stick to my oatmeal breakfast, salad and protein for lunch, and boiled camote for pre-run fuel. And definitely not chug two liters of water a few hours before the run. The NB 1080 V14 felt heavy too. I even joked to my husband about buying the Adizero Evo SL… and just a few minutes ago (before going here), I bought one. I loved the pink colorway on Zalora, but when I found out it was in SM and discounted, I immediately called my husband for a consult and snagged it. Right now, I sooo want to open the paper bag, look at it, wear it, but, like I said, I’m in Starbucks, and the tetta is a little shy. Hahahah (y angay). But yup, can’t wait to use it tomorrow!

Anyway, here are some pics from that run! After this 10K training, I’ve decided to train for a half marathon. I mean… it’s just 6K away from 15K! And I will train for it. I GOT THIS!

Thank you for reading, and wish me luck tomorrow! ’Til the next blog! 💛

Update: October 12, 2025

So, it's tomorrow.. In my pink era (char, naki-era! Hahaha), I ran 14K today! IT. WAS. EASY. Unlike last week’s 15K (above). Maybe it’s because I didn’t overeat this time, I always overthink fueling my body before a long run, but not today. Or maybe it has something to do with my new shoes, I have to say, the hype about the Adizero Evo SL is true, these shoes are amazing, and pretty too.

I did make one rookie mistake though, I wore my Pilates socks and ended up with blisters on both feet. Still, I loved this run! It felt smooth, light, and it even came with a new 10K PR at 1:19:04! I know I said I’m not chasing a specific time for my October 26 race, but after today, a sub-1:10 suddenly feels possible.

And of course, hubby took all the videos because who else? Thanks, Langlang! 💕 Here's a quick vid of today's run (if you're not sick of my face yet!):

Alright, that's really it for this one! Thank you! 💛

August Dump

Our August in pics/vids-at least most of it.

Showing off a milestone because on this day, Aug 3, I finally reached the point where my left hand is strong enough to touch my left foot, and hold the stretch! 

Pre-run fuel. The matcha was the worst. I mean, you can tell just by the color. I love saba!

Home is 💛!

Aug 9 - Ninang Sheena 

Aug 9 - This party rocks!

Aug 9 - we had so much fun at this souvenir booth!

Aug 15 - loved seeing my STA Flippers ’00 classmates on Zoom!

Aug 16 - Sachi. Their ramen is super yum! 

hubby's

like Takoyaki but flat and bigger

mine - I just ate half because the broth was so fatty. I brought the rest home and had it as my snack before the long run the next day.

loves et!

Happy dance after finishing my longest run at this point, 9k!

It was EASY!

I tried Manuka Wellness’ Oxybloom facial on promo. Regular price? 14,000 per session. Ummm… no, thanks! But it felt amazing, and my skin was glowing afterward. Maybe my fine lines got even finer?! I loved the facial scan and was flattered that, at my age, my fine lines are just on my forehead, years of religiously following a ‘hidhid’ routine paying off!

From my FB memories, one of my favorite pics ever! Inday Irene and I were having a blast during our dual birthday celebration with our girlfriends. I loved my Project Pink girls, and I miss them!

Aug 21 -My husband and I spotted Olsen Racela while watching the Cebu City Inter-Collegiate Basketball Tournament, and we also saw Rommel Adducul! We looooove catching high school and college basketball games, and we’re super excited for the 2025 CESAFI!

Aug 23 - I love dress-down Fridays! My 20s-30s self would totally laugh if she saw me now (my old blog: xinalia.blogspot.com)! 😁

Aug 29 - Monthly check-up: I passed with flying colors! My doctor even took me off my priciest medicine. WALLETS ARE HAPPY! Anyway, the waiting was real. We had to catch our spot on her ‘list’ early in the morning, and she usually shows up around 5-6 PM. So we napped whenever we could… snoring and all! Hahahahhha

I love this man so much! 💛

Aug 31. MY FIRST EVER 10K!!! I couldn’t be prouder of myself! This was what I was training for before my stroke (Training for a 10K with My Watch’s Plan). I was so down when I had to pause running because I couldn’t move my left leg. And now, and I rarely say this, but LOOK AT ME!!! The truth is, it felt easy! I wasn’t tired, I was singing, I was having a blast! That’s why I love running. It gives me a feeling no other exercise has. I’m also amazed at how my body has recovered. Thank you, Lord!

Too sweet! I just took a sip.

8:12/km at 143bpm??? ARE YOU EFFING KIDDING ME??? #proudtetta

After my long run, my husband and I went to our favorite cafe in Balamban (Cafescape, and man, IT WAS COLD! I loooove our weekend motorcycle rides. It’s therapy for my husband and pure relaxation for me. The food was yummmmm!

Thank you sa pitik!

Thank you sa pitik!

Thank you sa pitik!

hers and his

tweetweet's

mine! This is super duper yummeh - ciabatta, grilled chicken, pesto, cheese, tomatoes. I just ate half the sandwhich, about 5 pcs of chips, and the coleslaw.

August was a perfect blend of chill and fun. (No longer fat) fingers crossed September keeps the streak going! 

Thanks for reading. 'Til next blog! 💛

Chapter 42 (A Birthday Blog)

 How do you celebrate a birthday when you know you almost didn’t get here?

Right now, there’s about half an hour left before my birthday ends. My head is crowded with thoughts, and I’m not sure which ones to share first. This birthday isn’t just another candle on the cake. It’s a reminder that I fought hard to be here.

And here’s the part I can’t sugarcoat, the stroke I had was my fault. My lifestyle, my choices, my “I’ll be fine” attitude. All of it played a part. Admitting that stings, but it’s also what keeps me moving now.

I woke up at 12:45 a.m., realizing I’m 42. I’ve made it. While lying, I heard the rain outside and thought, “Please let it stop.” I had a 7.5 km run scheduled, and I didn’t want the weather to cancel it. By morning, the skies cleared, and we went to my favorite running ground in Ayala. I ran the full 7.5 km and walked another 1.5 km to cool down. Since I’m signed up for a 9 km race at the end of the month, I wanted to feel that distance on my legs. The verdict: VERY DOABLE!

After the run, we had breakfast at Bentang’s, because Sundays without their pancit feel incomplete. Then it was straight to Mass. The Gospel hit me hard. It was about selfishness and what happens when you only think of yourself. The priest spoke from his own experiences instead of taking jabs at others, which I loved. Somewhere during that Mass, my husband and I decided Sunday Mass should be part of our tradition again. We used to go every week, then laziness crept in. 

7.5k run and 1.5k walk after...

I signed up for Runna. I love it! It has everything-yoga, pilates, strength, mobility, pre and post run stretching. AND, their customer service is so responsive!

Bentang's pancit is a favee!!

From church, we went to SM city for my birthday buffet at Vikings. It’s tradition (buy-one-get-one promo for birthdays) and we’ve been doing it since 2017. The food’s definitely improved since last November (new chef, apparently). I avoided the dumplings because they still felt like chewy stress balls, but everything else was so good. I loaded my plate with salad, drank only infused water (okay, and one tiny sip of Sprite), and skipped rice and fried food entirely. My husband, now my unofficial “food police”, was quietly inspecting everything I ate. This is the same man who used to bring me random greasy food from the office, buy me cakes for no reason, and supported my “eat now, think later” habit. Times have changed, and I’m grateful.

We had planned to watch a movie after lunch, but we were so sleepy from waking up early that we went for a massage instead. I don’t remember half of it because I slept through the whole thing. Then it was home, and more sleeping. Here's a quick vid:

My birthday weekend started yesterday. My husband and I went to Zane's 1st birthday and Zach's  christening, where I was a ninang. They're both Janjan and Binbin’s son. Janjan is my husband's childhood friend.  I hadn’t slept since my night shift, so the trip to the church left me weak. Heat and exhaustion tend to lower my voice, and I felt it again that day. We still stayed for a while, enjoyed catching up with my husband’s friends who truly feel like family, and laughed watching him dance during the party. Thanks, langlang, for saying yes to sharing this video because it’s too funny not to!

children's parties are soooo fun!

So... how do you celebrate when you know you almost didn’t get here?

You celebrate with purpose. You run four times a week, you do Pilates (even if the side planks on the left side still feel like an Olympic event), yoga twice a week (and yes, I can now do a side stand on the left side! Progress!), and strength training once a week. You pass on fried food not because you’re vain, but because you’re fighting for your life.

Because I want to grow old with my husband and make fun of his wrinkly face
Because I don’t want my mama to lose me so soon
Because I want to be there for my nieces and nephew and see them grow old
Because I want to grow old with my siblings (laughing at the same dumb jokes)
Because I want to teach, lead, and train more people
Because I want to travel until my passport can’t keep up

Because I don’t want to lose me so soon

I still have fears, especially about food and health, but those fears keep me careful. My faith in God is what anchors me. I know I’m still here because of Him, and I’m choosing to make that mean something. 'Til next blog! 💛