Leaving a Colorful Trail: Color Manila Run

(Photo: pinoyfitness.com)

Date: January 6, 2013

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[OBVIOUSLY A SUPER-DUPER LATE POST]

 Happy 2013, guys! 🙂  How was the start of your year? Mine was awesome because I won free race kits to this year’s first colorful run: the Color Manila Run!

I saw this run on pinoyfitness.com last year, and seeing that the registration period has already ended, I didn’t consider this anymore. And just as I was about to give up on my search for a cool run for January 2013, Gala magazine announced that they’re having a race kit giveaway for Color Manila Run. I immediately grabbed the opportunity and, fortunately, I won two race kits! 🙂  I shared it with my little sister Joy, who helped me win the contest by sharing my comment to her friends. Thank you sis! :*

Anyway, the run was so awesome! It was my first time to experience such a happy and super colorful race. Each color stations– where we got sprinkled with different color powders– were amazing and, in the end, we emerged untidy BUT super duper colorful! 🙂  Never mind the long hours we had in the shower afterwards; the important thing is that we were able to run with big smiles on our faces… and five happy colors on our bodies. 😉

Plus, the cute finisher medal and freebies made the run more rewarding. Ahh, the joys of running and burning fats while getting cool stuff from sponsors!

Here are some snappies from the run (just because I can’t purely talk about it anymore… it was just so freakin’ colorful!):

(Me and my clean white Color Manila Run shirt before it got splattered with lotsa colors!)

(On board the Color Manila Run jeep!)

(Yes, many people participated in this multicolored run. And this pic shows the 5K runners only.)

(Now the fun starts! First color splatter: calm blue!)

(Jolly as ever at the sunny yellow station!)

(My hair got sprinkled with my favorite color at the blooming pink station!)

(Enjoying the color burst all over the place at the cool green station!)

(Free hugs at the posh violet station! Lol.)

(My sister and I after the run… check out the medal!)

(Yours truly, showing off her beautifully-stained shirt, colorful body and her rockin’ medal! Yay!)

An equally awesome sequel to this run, the Color Manila Nite Run 2013, was announced on this day. Sadly, I wasn’t able to participate. 😦  Too bad I missed it… this time LED lights were used instead of color powders!

But hey, Meeka got the chance to run in this bright and colorful night run! 🙂  Stay tuned for her kwento about the Color Manila Nite Run 2013!

(This run was organized by Proactive Sports and KangaROOS.)

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SWEAT RATING:

FOUR SWEATS! SU-WEET!

“It was a nice break from the usual stiff and mainstream runs. It was super enjoyable! Running should always be this fun!” –Lexy

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All For One: United Colors of 88 Run

Date: November 10, 2012

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Another run without Meeks. Sad. 😦  Anyway, I had a new running buddy with me, so it’s fine. Lol.

It was just a simple fun run… with lots of people from different participating schools. (I even saw Robi Domingo, hehehe) I totally like the singlet because it’s black (you know, hides all unwanted bulge… kidding!) and guess what? For the second time, I got a finisher’s medal at the end of the run. 🙂

I know the medal doesn’t mean that I was one of the top finishers, but for me, it meant something more. You see, being able to finish a 5-kilometer sprint from BGC to EDSA-Buendia then back again to BGC is already an achievement for us beginners. We may not be able to run as fast and as skilled as those who chose to take the 10K or 21K barefoot, but we know that we have already conquered a fairly-long distance.

(Finished another 5K… awesome!)

By the way, the freebies were fantastic. 😉  Ice cream, coffee, donuts… we even got a burlap-like backpack from Puma. Yay!

(Guys, meet Mad, my running buddy for this one :P)

All in all, the run was splendid. The important thing is we got to sweat out really good. The loot bags and other cool stuff were just bonuses. 🙂

(This run was organized by Greentennial.)

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SWEAT RATING:

THREE SWEATS! NOT BAD!

“Really brings out a good sweat while enjoying a beautiful morning view from BGC. ;)” –Lexy

Just Like Zombieland: Outbreak EK

(Photo: Outbreak Manila)

Date: October 31, 2012

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As you can see, guys, this is a late update also. Again, my apologies. 🙂

Anyway, I’m so glad to share my 2nd experience with “zombies” with you, people (even if it’s almost two months to late). 🙂  Last time, I was able to run for my life because I won a free race kit from Gala magazine. This time, I sort of covered the whole event. Pretty awesome, huh? Thanks so much, Gala!

As you can remember, I donned my comfiest pair of pajamas (complete with hair rollers and a pillow) in the last Outbreak. Well, this time, I dressed up as a newscaster “who was doing a coverage when the zombies suddenly showed up.”

Why? I don’t know. Hahaha! No seriously, I was running out of ideas for my costume and the reporter thing seemed like a pretty neat idea, since I’m a Journalism student, after all. 😉

(Just us, doing an “interview” 😛  Meet my very good friend, Cindy!)

Anyway, the 5K zombie-infested run was super cool, like my past Outbreak experience. I got to escape some zombies with my friend Cindy and her high school buddies Ken, Pauli, and Razaele, who won the Best in Costume award for Wave 15 with his attention-grabbing Slenderman getup. (He was practically one of the most famous runners that night, lol.)

(Me and Cindy posing with her HS friends Pauli, Razaele and Ken)

Adding up to the awesomeness of the zombie run was the fact that it was held at Enchanted Kingdom, which is probably one of the most-loved amusement park in the country. I mean, who could’ve thought of holding a 5K sprint inside a park full of ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and other rides? It was just like the movie Zombieland… and it was so lifelike because when zombies get the chance conquer the world, no place will be spared.

(With the super creepy and silent zombie nun 😛  Photo: Kenneth Velasquez)

(Just us, taking a quick break from all the running and posing for a photo op! Photo: Kenneth Velasquez)

(Yay! We’re “Champion Survivors!” LOL. Photo: Booster C)

All in all, it was just mind-blowing. I didn’t mind the wounds and bruises that I got when a group of people behind me got excited and accidentally pushed me to the ground (those wounds lasted for weeks and left some scars, ugh!). I also didn’t care about the fact that, because of my injury, I wasn’t able to run and protect my flags… so when I came across a bunch of zombies near Harry Houdini’s shop, these ruthless rotting humans gladly took all my flags. I was left with zero flags, two bruises and three wounds.

But, even though I came out of EK “dead,” I still emerged sweaty and energetic, which were more important to me than having my flags intact. Because this is, after all, a 5K run.

And oh, let’s not forget the medal!

Yea, I know they’re just for finishers and were given to ALL runners (with flags or no flags), but it’s still a symbol that I was part of this historic run and something to remind me that “I survived the Outbreak— again!”

(Yours truly with Cindy and Pauli (and Slenderman creeping from behind, haha)… and our medals, of course! 😀  Photo: Kenneth Velasquez)

I would love to survive another zombie apocalypse soon! 🙂  Well, after they’re done with Cebu, I hope they can conduct another night run here in Manila… or somewhere nearer. Great job, organizers of Outbreak Manila! You’ve done it again! 😉

P.S.: Before I move on to my Sweat Rating, please grab a copy of Gala magazine’s December-January 2013 ish, with Vice Ganda on the cover. If you want tips on how to survive the next zombie run, read the article (Outbreak EK: Survival of the Fastest, the Fittest, the Most Vigilant… and the Most Creative) written by yours truly. 😉  Thanks!

(Photo: Gala magazine)

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SWEAT RATING:

FOUR SWEATS! SU-WEET!

“Well, what more can I say? Outbreak EK was the bomb! I am sooo looking forward to the next zombie run!” – Lexy

Sunny, Simple Sunday Sprint (4S): InsuRUNce 2012

 

(photo: pinoyfitness.com)

Date: October 14, 2012

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Whew! This event was supposed to be posted months ago! My apologies for the delay, guys. 🙂

Anyhoo, I will just make this post short and simple, okay? Just like the run itself, which was kind of short (yea for me, because I only ran 3K for a change) and super simple… but was still warmly accepted by amateur and professional runners alike, as well as parents who just wanted to bond with their kids under a lovely Sunday sun.

 

Unfortunately, I participated in this fun run ALONE due to some last minute changes involving my ‘supposed-to-be’ running buddy. But it was still awesome, nonetheless. 🙂  I opted to run 3K this time to see if 5K was really that long… because when I started my “The Running Project” last July 2012 with the Manila Bay Cleanup Run, I signed up for a 5K route and I really thought I made a mistake because it was very long! Well, that was before I got used to running (and walking) 5K distances, and now I feel good. 🙂

 

(photos: Vertical Finisher)

Turns out, 3K was super short! I got so bitin that, after the run, I walked from BGC to Glorietta 5… and ended up with really sore legs for 2-3 days. 🙂  But the pain was so worth it! I got to sweat a few more while walking the streets of BGC— and a little sight-seeing didn’t hurt. 😉

 

Like I said, the run was very simple. The freebies were reasonable (thanks for the hygiene stuff inside a hygiene kit, Pru Like UK!) and hey, we had free Gatorade drinks! 🙂  LOL.

I hope there’ll be more run like this in the future— simple and no fuss at all, also less people and more space to run on.

Meh. But then again, that’s just me. 😉

(This run was organized by Without Limits.)

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SWEAT RATING:

 

THREE SWEATS! NOT BAD!

 “Not bad. Not bad at all. :)” –Lexy

Long due posts… comin’ this January!

Okay, I know I told you guys that I will make some kwento about my running adventures last month, but as you can see, I became pretty busy (and still am) so… there. My long-due posts got more stuck in my laptop.

Anyway, expect these great stories to be posted on January next year!

See? I have so many things to tell you guys so don’t go anywhere, okay? 🙂  Mark the date: JANUARY 2013!

♥ Lexy

Stay tuned!

Honestly, I’m still in “hibernation” mode because of the semester break… the reason I (and Meeks!) am not able to update this site regularly. We’re currently enjoying our few moments of freedom from the hectic world of college, so bear with us. 😉

But, I still believe I owe you these fun stories about my past running events:

I will post my entries either tomorrow or the following days… stay tuned! 😉

♥ Lexy

(Visit our WordPress site, meekalexyproject.wordpress.com, too! And yea, follow us!)

Just like Zombieland

For the second time, I am running for my life. 😉

Yes, to those who will participate in the “first ever night run in an amusement park” tomorrow, well see you all there! 🙂  I just got  lucky to have this once (twice)-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run in this much-appreciated zombie run, so I won’t miss it for the world.

And oh, don’t forget to drop by the Gala Magazine booth, for sure there will be another free photobooth tomorrow. 😉

See ya!

♥ Lexy

(And yea, if time permits, I will tell you all about my InsuRUNce adventure!)

Heads up, runners!

After our first fitness post about Outbreak BGC comes another running attempt to lose some weight. 🙂  *laughing so hard here*

Once again, my partner couldn’t come to this momentous running event (but we’re hoping to participate in the AVON Run on October 21!). So for my second fitness post as an official blogger (what?), I’ll partake in this InsuRUNce 2012, happening at Bonifacio Global City.

 (Registered!)

See you all there! 🙂

♥ Lexy

 

 

 

Big news, guys! :)

We finally have our official Facebook page! 🙂

>> http://www.facebook.com/meekalexyproject <<

>> http://www.facebook.com/meekalexyproject <<

Don’t be afraid to click the “Like” button. Thank you! 🙂

♥ ♥ ♥

Survival of the Fittest, the Fastest, and the Sneakiest: Outbreak BGC

Yess! Finally, here we are with our first-ever fitness post! 🙂  As part of our project, we won’t just post about food, but we’ll also participate in many fitness events (be it marathons, gym sessions, etc.) so as to balance our lifestyle. We don’t know if that’s going to work, but at least we won’t be just eating and eating– we’ll also be sweating and, yes, sweating. 😉

Okay, like in our food posts, we’ll also include this thing we call the “Sweat Rating.” Basically, we’ll “critic” the fitness event based on the following: organization, health benefits, enjoyment, & freebies (lol). Again, we’re not really health buffs, so don’t take our ratings seriously. 😉

Date: July 28, 2012

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LEXY SAYS:

Actually, I’m the only one who got the chance to participate in this famous Philippine zombie run since Meeks wasn’t lucky to receive a free race kit. (aww… next time!)

This is not my first time to chip in a running event (I joined the Manila Bay Cleanup Run 2012 last July 15), but I’m a real newbie to this “zombie apocalypse” run thing. And what does a newbie has to say about it?

Simple: mind-blowing, super exhausting, very unique, intense, and a total killer.

Just a little info about this zombie run: Outbreak Manila was inspired by “Run For Your Lives” and its first ever race was held last April 14 at Nuvali, Laguna. (I was there but wasn’t able to participate) Now, following the colossal success of the first leg, the brains behind Outbreak made the 2nd one a “night run” and took the suspense and adventure at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. And oh, they have this famous tagline that says, “Don’t think, just run.” 😉

(With my running buddies (Gala mag friends) Cindy and Ate Airiz ;>)

Basically, this was my first time to experience being chased by hordes of flag-stealing (not flesh-eating) zombies, and I really enjoyed it! 🙂  Though I nearly gave up after just a kilometer (the route was 5K) because of leg soreness, blurry eyeglass vision, lack of oxygen, and the heavy rain (yes it rained moments after our wave’s gun start!), I still found the event very amusing. Yes, I was so nervous at first, but then I started to enjoy it, like I’m really part of an actual zombie apocalypse. 🙂

(My get-up: a comfy sleepwear, complete with a pillow and some unattended rollers on my hair. Hahaha!)

Okay, so now based on my experience (yes!), I will share some important tips to beat the outbreak.

Survival of the FITTEST: In order to emerge victorious at the end of the race, you must have a healthy heart and strong muscles to back you up. In short, you need some cardio exercises, man! 😉  When you’re fit, you’re sort of immune to long runs and heavy breathings, so your chances of survival will automatically increase. I’ve had my share of oxygen shortage because I don’t do my aerobics session every day, but I noticed that I can actually run farther without having to stop to catch my breath. So get your body moving and your heart pumping– it’ll do you good. 😉

Survival of the FASTEST: Of course, if you’re aware that a bunch of zombies are already running after you, what would you do? Run fast… faster… and, yeah, fastest (lol). To get past the creepy zombies, you must run like the wind, because if you’ll just walk and goof around, these after-life creatures will devour on your brai– oops– flags. These flags are important in Outbreak Manila because it signifies your life– when you run out of flags, you’ll be pronounced “dead” and you won’t have any bragging rights anymore (haha!). And really, if there will be a true zombie invasion, would you just walk past them? NO. Value your “life” and run for it. 😉

Survival of the SNEAKIEST: Yes, this is so true (hihi). This is just a mock zombie apocalypse, so the “zombies” won’t really hurt you (physical violence is not allowed in Outbreak Manila). In that case, you can find a way to sneak past them just so they won’t get your flags. How? It’s up to you. Runners are unintentionally advised to think fast and be wise, so I really don’t know about your sneaky plans. But to tell you the truth, I’ve had my share of effective tricks to beat the zombies. 😉  I’m not going to tell you (secret!), but they’re really foolproof, because even though I’m actually within reach, they didn’t get my flags. If you really want to know, click the “Ask Us” tab above. Hahaha!

(Wet and tired after the 5K run!)

To sum this whole thing up, I emerged with ONE flag (haha, so much for the tips lol) and the bragging right to say that I really survived the outbreak. Cool enough? Yes. But add the awesome freebies and the experience itself and you can actually say “super mega cool!”

To top it all off, I will never forget this running event. The experience was just so amazing that I’m planning to join the 3rd leg– as a zombie. 😉  So freakin’ radical!

(Cool “I Came. I Ran. I Survived.” shirt ;>)

Special thanks to the Gala Magazine team for providing me my race kit and for being my official buddies during the race. It was really nice to see all of you again. 😉

To know more about Outbreak Manila, click here and here. 🙂

(P.S.: Too bad I can’t see some “action shots.” Ugh. >.<)

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SWEAT RATING:

5 SWEATS! DOWNRIGHT AWESOME! 🙂

“What more can I say? Outbreak BGC is sooo crazy cool!” – Lexy

“This looks bad. It seems that I am not at all participating with the exercising part of the bargain… just kidding! I envy Lexy’s experience so severely that I swore that I would not miss the next one! Haha! Lexy looks super cute in her costume tho! Snuggly! :)” – Meeka