My Adidas KOTR 2013 Experience

After conquering Skyway, I found myself signing up for the 16.8K of the Adidas King of the Road 2013 last July 7, 2013. Another running bucket list entry crossed out. To run the Kalayaan Flyover and try to run this distance.

 

I must admit, I am a running enthusiast, but I am not the type who signs up in every run possible. I sign up for a run, which I feel meets my needs or self-challenge at that point in time. But as an enthusiast, I try my best to also train hard for the races I join.

 

The view going up the Kalayaan Flyover from the Gil Puyat

This is my first time to run this distance. I ran with my 2 long time friends, husband and wife, Mildred and Earl who also share the enthusiasm for running and met a new friend, Jeff. The goal for that we have in mind is just to finish the race and not for PR. Perfect interval pacing by Milds, I got to enjoy the run more. And I finished the race still with energy. Great advise as well given by Milds and Earl to bring energy gels. :)
 

  

 

Though I finished the race in more than 2 hours, I'm glad I did it. The blisters on my right foot and that ache on my left foot made it harder to really push hard in running, but it was really an experience that was worth it. Also a first time to experience both my legs cramping.

This was a fun day, since I get to enjoy a day of bonding with my friends on a different setting. I don't have very good photos while running. Haha! Thanks to Matt for meeting me this day and sharing the last kilometer with me. :p


With my friend Milds, who's really an inspiration. Doing a 21K again this coming month of Sept.

Overall, the race experience for me is okay. Nothing majorly disappointing or something. Pretty organized since I didn't stay for long to try the booths and line up for the other freebies. I didn't experience the hassle of getting my race kit since Matt got it for me. :p

Now looking for another race to sign up next. :)

Isabelo Garden Restaurant

For those who are in search of something quirky but sweet and somewhere private for a celebration, please try Gardens by Isabelo. I have heard of their breakfast cafe, Rustic Mornings from my officemate and it was something that's already part of our foodie list to go through.
 
This dinner was a pleasant surprise from Matt for our first month. Haha! An intimate dinner. This is a first! :p

 

 
The place is quirky, quiet and homey. Perfect for those ocassions where you just need to enjoy each others company with the addition of great food. Perfect venue also for people like us who enjoy good conversations. I appreciated that you can see a glimpse of the owners' family by just being here and looking at the artworks and interiors.
 
I think its mandatory to pre-order so that they can have your food ready and you don't have to wait for a long time for it to be ready. Reservations for dinner is also required plus, an initial deposit. Makes sense since they will be prepping your food in advance.


Spinach Artichoke Dip

Clam Chowder

Grilled Salmon Steak



4-Hour Pugon Baked Osso Bucco



Since this is Matt's idea, I was only required to show up and be girly. Haha! I have never been asked by a boy to a date and specifically asked me to be girly. That's also a first. :p He already ordered for us. I must say, I'm impressed with the choices he made. He ordered the Spinach Artichoke Dip (Php350) for appetizer and the Clam Chowder for soup. Then came the entrees, he got the 4-Hour Pugon-Baked Osso Bucco (Php750) and the Grilled Salmon Steak (Php350/steak).

Key Lime Pie

My personal favorite was the Spinach Artichoke Dip. I am actually plannin on replicating it. :)
The osso bucco, as I can remember it, was very tender, literally falling off the bone. Very rich and tasty! The fish, very fresh as should be. It was a hearty meal, finished with the perfect dessert. The Key Lime Pie is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. A good way to cut the richness of all the food we ate.

 

 

I would rate this experience as a 10. Not even getting lost in Marikina finding this place dampened the experience. Great food by Chef Portia Dee Baluyut, whom I recognized from a TV show in Lifestyle Network. I would love to try the Rustic Mornings by Isabelo soon for brunch. Thanks to Matt, this has been very memorable for me.

 

 

For more information on this, you can check out their website. I highly recommend this place. Two thumbs up for great food and place that this family has.

 

http://www.isabelogarden.com

http://www.rusticmorningsbyisabelo.com/