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! 💛