My 10 Commandments for Running

I never thought the day would come when I could honestly say, “I like to run.” Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy working-out, indoors that is...in an air-conditioned gym, über clean yoga studio, or in the comforts of my own room with an exercise video (I was an avid follower of Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo...how very old school of me.) I was in NYC when the idea popped into mind (pictures of Katie Holmes - I love her in spite of some of the “choices” she has made - running the ING New York City Marathon became my inspiration), in a city where women ran in long sleeve tees and cute shorts with music they alone can hear, I so wanted to be one of them!!! So, I headed home after happy hour with BFF Bozy and googled “5k” which led me to the site where it all began...(Photo from indofamily.net)

http://www.c25k.com/

So now, (except when I’m having a really good hair day) I run. Here are my personal rules when heading out that door...

Thou shall remember those three letters: S. P. F. When you run outside, please protect yourself. (I now use Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Complete UV Waterlight lotion with SPF 50+. It's light, non-sticky and the scent reminds me of the beach.)

Thou shall have an ipod that is good to go:

Fully-charged? ✓

Working earphones? ✓ (I’ve tried running with only one working earphone - so not fun!)

Arm band? ✓
Playlist? ✓ ✓ ✓

Here is my current happy summer playlist:

• If I Were a Boy - I ♥ ♥ ♥ Beyonce!!!
• Viva la Vida  - Coldplay (Perfect start to a run)

• Fader - The Temper Trap (BFF and Bolso Babe Kit got me hooked on this song!)

• Human - The Killers (I am still bummed about their canceled concert...Oh well...)

• Heartbeat - Scouting for Girls (I just love when he says “she’s a pain in the ***” hee!hee!)

• Meet Me Halfway - The Black Eyed Peas ROCK!!!

• Down - Jay Sean feat. Lil‘ Wayne (So catchy! Makes you wanna...nod your head?)

• Tik Tok - Kesha (My nephews and nieces singing this is absolutely the cutest thing ever!!!)
• 
If We Ever Meet Again - Timbaland feat. Katy Perry (My current favorite workout song)

• Laura Palmer’s Prom - You Say Party! We Say Die!
 (Perfect mix of indie, rock, dance and punk)
• Empire State of Mind - Jay-Z and Alicia Keys in Game 2 of the World Series - classic!

• Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus (My absolute guilty pleasure)

• Bad Romance - Who doesn’t love Lady Gaga???

• So What - Pink (Girl power at it’s finest)
• 
Forca - Nelly Furtado (This could be our next girls anthem)

• Use Somebody - Pixie Lott (A sweet follow-up to the Kings of Leon hit) 


Thou shall be bug-free. If the thought of dengue isn’t scary enough, think bright pink splotches on your UN-tanned legs - not a pretty sight. (I am now using Human Nature's Citronella Bug Spray which is 100% organic. Please visit http://humanheartnature.com/)

Thou shall minimize the jiggle. You won’t believe how many girls use their “girls” as an excuse not to run. One word - CHAMPION. Trust me, it gets the job done.

Thou shall keep your hair away from your face. Our hands and hair are supposedly the dirtiest parts of our bodies, so please be kind to your face! A cap and ponytail always do the trick. (And girls, leave your shampoo commercial tresses for nights out on the town. If you don’t want to mess up your blowout, stay home. Running with your hair down is just plain weird.)

Thou shall empty your bladder before running. Nothing is as uncomfortably annoying as having to pee when you’re still 2k away from home. These are one of those times when being a girl is truly an inconvenience.

Thou shall know when to slow down. Know the difference between going for the burn (sometimes I find myself repeating “keep going, keep going...” over and over again) and being on the brink of passing out. I figure if I’m huffing and puffing and almost seeing double, it’s time to just walk it off. Remember, even God rested on the 7th day.

Thou shall not make eye contact. There will always be rude people (Team Er?) who can’t seem to mind their own business. Remember this is about you. Running is your alone time. Enjoy the freedom.

Thou shall streeeeeeeeeeetch  after your run and drink lots and lots of agua. I find running to be an instant pick-me-up (Bad mood, be gone!) It may not solve all of life’s worries, but you can find solace in knowing you’re doing your body good.

Thou shall reward yourself. I am a big fan of “gift to self.” It doesn’t have to be the Maldives Giant City I’ve been drooling over for 2 years now, but treat yourself to a little something like a one-hour massage, a small cup of Golden Spoon (can be found in Magallanes and Edsa Shang Mall) pistachio and cake batter, or even that Zara top that finally went on sale.


Unlike Katie, I may never run a marathon, but I am slowly inching my way to 10k with BFF Bru’s (This pic was taken during our 5k buddy run) prodding.


NEWS FLASH: The Eclipse trailer is out - Muchas gracias TSS, BFF and Bolso Babe Rorita - http://www.twilightthemovie.com/) Just like Bella, I believe I can run with vampires. - KAB