2) How do you compare running in temperate climate and running from Dumaguete to Amlan, for example? Running in a single digit temperature is certainly different from what I am accustomed to. Even though I am used to running long distances, the cold weather and chilly winds make my throat hurt, and knees wobbly. Running in warm weather suits me best. It must be due to the fact that I am used to it, even if I have to run for hours, so long as I am properly hydrated.
3) What’s the most expensive running gear you’ve invested in? My pair of Oakley sunglassses. Next is my Garmin Forerunner 305.
4) What do you for cross-training? Or do you literally rest? I make sure I get some rest at least twice a week to give my body enough time to recover. Lately, I do a lot of brisk walking. Some days, I hop on the elliptical machine or the treadmill after a road run. When I feel like it, I do Zumba, an exhilirating Latin-inspired dance fitness program to tone and sculpt the body.
5) Thus far, what has been the biggest motivation for you to run? To join the Cebu International Marathon in January 2012. I am currently following a program which enables me to train for my very first full marathon.
6) Have you been injured from running? What did you do to recover? We runners oftentimes ignore the pain just so we can continue to run. As much as I hate to admit it, I was injured, and still am injured. When I ran the Ajax Half Marathon (in Ontario, Canada), I had plantar fasciitis that started to bother me in the 14thK. I limped all the way to the finish line. A week after that, I continued to train for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a Boston Marathon qualifier. To determine if I can finish 42.2k in the cut-off time of six hours, my goal that day was to run 32K in four hours. Although I did it on the elliptical machine which I believe is slower and more arduous compared to a road run, I stopped upon reaching the 29K because I could barely flex my knees. The pain was excruciating. Without proper training, I kissed my first 42K dream goodbye! A registered massage therapist friend of mine diagnosed the knee pain as Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). My coach told me to rest for a month or two. I still run despite his advice but I make sure I do RICE (rest-ice- compression-elevation) after a workout. It is so difficult to rest even when in pain especially when you are training for a race. As they say, pain is temporary, pride is forever. BUT BUT BUT you must listen to your body to prevent more serious injuries.
MetroPost is starting a series of brief interviews with fitness and health buffs that could inspire our readers to get into a healthy lifestsyle.
We begin today with Honey Chandiramani, who just recently migrated to Ontario, Canada. A native of Tanjay City, she is a graduate of mass communication from Silliman University, and BS Nursing. She says she is a dedicated and hands-on mom, a loyal and loving wife, a struggling Christian, highly-driven at the same time a laidback kind of person, competitive, and always optimistic. She says God and family are very important to her.
