"on a shoestring"

Before we end this busy, busy month of blogging and races, let me present to you our 3rd Runner’s Profile. Again, allow me to let you know that the purpose of this blog is to share stories of triumph and hopefully learn from others as well. Without further ado, here’s to a strong lady runner.

Name: Celma C. Hitalia aka “Mamita”
Hometown: Muntinlupa
Age: 40ish (she actually says, “it’s just a number”)

Training Ground (fave route for training): Everest Memorial Park in Muntinlupa for uphill/downhill training and Daang Hari for LSD

Years into Running: First race was 19 July 2009, 10k Globe Run for Home 2009 – 1 year and 3 months

Favorite Race(s): Globe Run for Home 2009- 10K because it was my first race (1:07)
The Bull Runner’s Dream Marathon because it was my first marathon (4:51:55, 4th place female)
Takbo Para Kay Kristo (10k) because it was my first podium finish (3rd place female)

Marathon PR: 4:42:24 Milo Marathon 2010 (22nd place overall female)
How many marathons have you finished: (2) The Bull Runner Dream Marathon and Milo Manila Elims
Half-marathon PR: 1:53:15 (9th place overall female) Unilab Run United for Wellness
Best 5K Time: 0:24:30 (Triple A Aquathlon, 2nd leg run)
Best 10k Time: 0:51:55 (Lactacyd All Women Run)

Fave running shoes: Adidas  and Nike
Running gears: Cap / Shades / Bib Holder

Unforgettable Moment in Running: The push, the cheer and the support from your friends and fellow runners and of course, crossing the finish line!

Reason for running: Before, I ran to be fit and sexy. Now, running is one of my passions!

Fave Running Quote: “Walk if you must, crawl if you must, but never ever quit.” – Dean Karnazes

Worst injury: None so far (hope none in the future too!)

Post-race food: I crave for ice cream

Additional info: I’m a former badminton enthusiast.

My Podium Finishes:
3rd place Female 10k Takbo para kayKristo
5th place Female 16k Men’s Health All Terrain Race
2nd place Female 10k Camaya Coast Extreme Trail Run
3rd place Female 21k Biodiversity Run

I am into multi-sports too:
Powerade Duathlon 2nd Leg (6k run-30k bike-3krun) 1st place female – age category
7-Eleven Tour 500 (Alabang to Tagaytay 60k Biking) 4th place female overall – road bike
Triple A Aquathlon (2.5k run – 400m swim – 5k run) 1st place female overall – light division

Biggest Dream: Join Ironman 70.3 on 14 August 2011

Additional questions:
James: If there is one tip that you want to share to newbie runners what will it be?
Mamita: Have fun and enjoy all your runs.

James: What do you do when you are not running?
Mamita: Sleep, Bond with my kid and pamper myself: massage, foot spa, parlor thing

James: Do you do any crosstraining?
Mamita: Before, I always go to the gym and attend boxing class but since I ventured into multi sports then I have to switch and cross-train for biking and swimming.

JourneyingJames with Mamita at Mt. Makiling Trails

I met Mamita during one of the ANR Alabang Runs at Madrigal Business Park. That’s is why they call me “Baby James,” Mamita is my “mom” in the running scene. I am very much amazed on where Mamita gets all her energies- indeed dedication and discipline to the sports that we love pays off! Congrats Mamita to more of your victories and podium finishes!