My Fumbles in the Valley Trail Challenge and a Race Recap

My Fumbles

This is how my GPS map looks like

This is how it should look like. Find the difference.

I fumbled twice in this race. Well, the first one is my tendency to be lost. I have a very very poor sense of direction. I got lost thrice in this race.

Finishing The Valley Trail Challenge...Or Maybe Not

They made me eat their dust. hmp.

I wish I could have hanged on a little longer. I wish I didn't miss that final turn. But...oh well...


I was welcomed by a soft drizzle as I exited the gorgeous home of my colleague in Cabuyao, Laguna. Despite the excruciating pain she was feeling, she graciously hosted me so I won't have to worry about commuting in the wee hours of midnight from Makati to Nuvali, Laguna. It was an easier commute than I expected.  


And now, Nuvali. This sprawling landscape of trail and concrete has lately been a favorite venue for races. Nuvali offers fresh air and a break from the old, tried and tested running routes of Manila. Prior to this, I was a Nuvali virgin and was looking forward to break in to this new running haven.

Nuvali, Nuvali High

Thank You Tuesday: Garmin FR 305

Garmin watch showing my stats at Mayon 360 50 Mile Run...5,000 calories, whew!

My Garmin in action in 2010 Milo Marathon Manila elims (photo by Photovendo)

Today, I am thankful for my watch! Yes, my a year-and-so old Garmin FR 305 which has been with me in the great races I've run. Getting this gadget April of last year (through my officemates/friends who were in the US for a business trip) helped me a lot especially when I started training for my first half-marathon in May of that year. It was expensive and I could buy 10 Nokia cellphones with flashlights instead of getting this watch. But I can say that it's all worth it. The watch basically tells me how far, how long and how fast or slow have I been running. It comes with a heart rate monitor that I remember using only once because it kind of felt inconvenient wearing something below my chest especially in this humid weather. I love the training  center software that comes with it and how I can easily sync it with my dailymile account. 


So this Tuesday, I am thankful for GPS technology and my ever reliable (up to 12 hours of battery life) Garmin FR 305.