T minus 1 week!

Just wanted to thank everyone again for all your support.  I ran 20 miles this past Saturday (11/20) and I would not have been able to do it without knowing that you, my dear family and friends, were behind me the whole way in spirit.  No headphones, just me and the rain and my thoughts of thankfulness that I am able to put one foot in front of the other ... towards a cause greater than myself! 

I hope that this post finds you all in good spirits and health.  We have so much to be THANKFUL for, yah? 

It is T-minus 1 week for me to get all my fundraising in, so this is my final hat-shaking to you ... remember all donations are tax-deductible and puts your name in the "good karma" jar!  JK

I'm still recovering from the 20mile jog, luckily I had to go to work bright and early Sunday morning so I was walking all day, which I believe is fostering a speedy recovery.  That and a lot of glucosamine!  I am in awe that I did not catch a cold running in soaked spandex.  I think my angels were fighting with me!

Below is a photo that makes me look like a "runner" and I keep telling myself, although I am not built like a gazelle like my teammates (this body was made close to the ground to maybe pick rice, I don't know? Ha!), it was still able to carry me through mile after mile - and for those of you thinking about signing up for a marathon, I say DO IT.  And choose a cause that you feel is worthwhile and meaningful to YOU.  It is the one thing that will keep you going.  Through the blisters, ugly spandex pants, and waking up at 430am to run, popping vitamins, glucosame, glutamine, etc etc. 

12 weeks of training and I'm almost there.  Again, I'll be running this marathon on 12/12 for Jaden and Team42, and for all of you who believe in our fight against blood cancer.

So stay warm, stay healthy, and hug ALL of your loved ones this week!   
Love and gratitude for days and days!!!
gemma

ILML. I Love My LIFE.

GRATITUDE & love to everyone who made it out last Friday.  Your energy and support meant so much.
Special shot outs to the SAC'team who rolled deep.  :)  The honorees were able to make it and show us their dancesteez (KuyZ!IeTikiPoleD'cer &'TeGrace) as well as the Ry/Lels/Chella/Mark/..with special moves performed by JackieBB&hubCB...Wuh?  
DJ's JoeDobo & DJGoodJourney spun us through dance frenzy, thank you for donating your talent & time.
Special thank you's to Steph&Lounge3411 for the space. 
Zae&K, thanks for the door.  Kev&MelBoy, you're awesome as evers.  Thank you to JayAr and the "I'm so pogiBoys"for showing love.
Oh!  Dances with Wolves - Jason Catorini gets the "Who's Dances with Wolves?" award.
 *****

The picture below is from the 12mile run.  I realize more & more it really does pay to run without any music.  It allows for the best meditation.

****
Please support us this Saturday as our favorite trainer, Peter Tapao- with Charity Fitness.  They have so kindly volunteered their time and energy and SKILLS by holding a BOOTCAMP FITNESS CLASS to our cause.  100% of proceeds go to our fundraiser AND WE ARE STILL *hurt* for donations! 
So get off that bootie and kick your own butt while kicking Cancer butt.  Come work out with Pete and team at Mission Peak Fitness in Fremont at 11a this Saturday:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 11AM
MISSION PEAK FITNESS
3755 WASHINGTON BLVD / FREMONT
1 HOUR OF BOOTCAMP FITNESS, DONATION $5+


That's all folks for now.  T-2 weeks before fundraising deadline.  Please visit my fundraising page if you would like to donate.  Or just spread the word to someone you think might!!

donate to gemma & click here

Heart bubbles (a'la CYLAgirl)
gemma

This past weekend's 12mile meditation.

Raffle! Raffle! Raffle! And celebrate w/us at Lounge3411 next Friday- Nov12th (10p-2a)

Family & Friends!

Please come out and support next Friday, November 12th @ Lounge3411 in Oakland.  It's a fundraising event for the marathon benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor and memory of our family's angel, Jaden.  Team42 (Zeus&Gracie) will be driving down from Sacramento to join us, please swing thru! 
-All door$ donations ($5+) go directly to fundraiser
-November 12th, Friday @ 10p-2a
-Ages21+ (%of bar proceeds will also be donated to the cause)
-Music by DJ.Joedobo and DJGoodJourney

*RAFFLE!*

$1 donation = 1 raffle ticket if you donate @Lounge3411

If you can't make it to Lounge3411, donate online :  $2 donation = 1 raffle ticket
PRIZES:
- Video Portrait or Business Profile service personalized for you! -by manalocinematic.com, with filmmaker Gregory Manalo
- Elegant dinner for 2 ! @ Oakland's restaurant:  NO WORRIES Filipino Vegetarian Cuisine by Chef JayAr Isagani Pugao
-  Graphic print design /Logo -personalized for you!  -by Gem Mateo (graphic designer for Levi's & Creative Director for SF's Invisible Stripes)
- More prizes TBA

**Raffle online donation due date:  Nov12th/Friday/5PM

1)  click here:  Raffle Online Donations

2)  select "Other"

3)  depending on how many raffle entries, enter donation amount (two$ : oneTicket)

4) if you want to verify your # of raffle tickets, please enter it in the 'comment' section

5) smile :)  !  you've donated into the 'good karma' jar and also of course, to benefit current patients afflicted with blood cancers.  you're awesome and we love you for supporting the cause!
 
*Raffle 'in person' donations will be sold all night at Lounge3411 during the party
*Raffle will be drawn at Lounge3411 as we celebrate
*Unlimited raffle ticket donations; 1 prize per person
* You don't have to be there to win, you just need to have donated for raffle tix ;)

Love & gratitude,
gemma

Quick Recap...

Good morning, beautiful people!  I know it's been a minute since I last updated, but the past several weeks have been a whirlwind of activity...so just a quick? recap:
- I have been short on time because I was Maid of Honor in my lovely cousin's wedding that finally took place this past Saturday (10/23) Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony & Krissan Reyes!  It's kept me busy (overwhelmed) the past couple of weeks!
- I'm up to 13 miles running, this week I'm slated for 14-16 miles
- We're having a fundraiser for LLS / Team G on November 12th (Friday), so please *Save the Date & swing through!  The door donation goes directly to the cause and the bar tab/ Stephanie from Lounge 3411 in Oakland will be also be giving us some of their proceeds!!  Please, please swing through and celebrate with us!  Thank you Joe Anolin for donating your dope DJ services!  (See flyer below)
Nov. 12th flyer
-  I was at Kuya Zeus & 'TeGracie's last week finally getting inked by the famous, Keoki (he flew out again fr Oahu).  It was my first time and I am in love with my calf!  Haha, salamat po to Keoki and Team42 for providing the opportunity :)  We'll see you on the island in December!  Keoki, it turns out, has also ran the Honolulu marathon! 
- I am involved (and performing) in a production this Saturday with Bindlestiff Studio presented by the Presidio Trust at the Log Cabin (Fort Scott District) of SF's Presidio.  It's free, so come through before you go out Halloween partying (see the other flyer below)
Oct. 30th Presidio Show / Bindlestiff Studio Production
 * Exhale *  I think that's the best recap I can give for now.  As you can see, the calendar has been quite active, but still super-hyped and dedicated to this cause!  Please tell your friends and support!
- Ow wait!  I almost forgot, the awesomely gifted Jay-Ar Isagani Pugao has opened his long-awaited Filipino Vegetarian restaurant in Oakland!  He's selling chocolates for us (for LLS and the Honolulu fundraiser) at his restaurant!  If you haven't tried his dishes, you're hella missing out!  Support local business and a fellow brother & just super-dope guy ...  check it out!  (And buy a chocolate bar for our LLS / support the marathon!  http://www.filipinovegetarianfood.com/Home.html
- OK, ok, I think that's all that's on the plate at this moment.  Lots to digest!
Thank you again for all the love and support!
It's not too late!  Got $5 on it?  Please drop by: Click here for Gemma's Fundraising Site
gemma

Lighting the Night, Sacramento

My mega-talented cousin Rob, / Jaden's "Uncle Obski" is blessing Sacramento's 'Light the Night' this October with his gift of music, dance, & aloha spirit.  His amazing halau, Makamae Melia O' Polynesia, will be bringing the magic of the Islands through performance to those benefiting from 'Light the Night' -some of whom the Island Paradise may only be a dream out of reach.
If you're in the Sacramento area on Saturday, October 2nd at 630pm, please come by the steps of the state Capitol and join Makamae and the Fortu family in honoring Jaden, the other angels, survivors and their families.  Even if you're not near, light a candle anyway.  ;)


http://www.makamaemelia.org/home.html

My fundraising page:   http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/honolulu10/gcalderkrk

Week Ocho.

9 orange-polished toes & 1 nekkid toe saw the doctor.  Yep, I went to a sports doc and all is well.  While I was in his office, he started to freak me out with stories of his marathoner patients who have black/blue piggies & those with no toenails left.  “Nooooooo!”  I lightly screamed, with tagalog-movie style dramatics.  I found some photos of marathon toenails I thought you might enjoy, hahaahah…  For those faint of heart, bypass these links…I’m still trippen that some marathoners opt to pour acid into their toenail beds and permanently remove them and sport shirts that say “Toenails are for Sissies”.  Gasp!  What have I gotten myself into?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8167243@N06/4455589521/

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/the-troubled-toenails-of-distance-runners/

And the grossest link…   A TOENAIL NECKLACE.  WT**?

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv9dnQttvRNnbtJXEuEfOljRWnCwR76NiWMb-HtribWLZq-up6MGhjnkUs0cNjWCpIzXigmAB62Z8swxvg4VA7oOpa0FjfBsgd-5wxUL2tDCbQz9c6lt7r1oVqYoV0C9pZU9mNVHWduw/s1600-h/toenail_necklace_labeled.jpg

Onto cooler things, I ‘enthusiastically jogged’ 11 miles this past Saturday.  The most I’ve done in my life.  11 miles is Pier 39 to UC Berkeley-ish.  That would have been a better jog because at least I’d know where I was going.  I did Heather Farms in Walnut Creek, which was cool because it was flat (the coaches had mercy on us this week).  Afterwards I performed my first ICE BATH.  This type of torture I’ve learned helps the muscle tears I made during my run heal faster.  I’m sitting on the couch wondering if it helped at all because my body is all sorts of pain.  My joints and muscles are still begging me to pick up the ukulele and learn songs to PLAY at the marathon runners in lieu of actually running it. 

I’m at 13% of my marathon goal, so if you have $5 to donate to Leukemia & Lymphoma society, please visit my donation page:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/honolulu10/gcalderkrk

Thank you again for your continued support and encouragement.  

Especially to my Auntie May, my Auntie Monette fr San Diego, & my faveJMuir RN, Luong, my yotchRN Vanessa .. thank you!!!)

“Heart bubbles”  to you all. 

gem.

(that’s a shot out to the extraordinary dancer bootch, MissYing)  

7PM / 7AM

This song is actually Sunset, Sunrise.

These were taken on the iphone that fits in my spandex, believe it or not!  The first one I shot on my “quick 4 mile jog” on Monday night around 7PM.  (I can’t believe I’m saying this was my short run), Labor Day. While hoards of people were enjoying the street entertainers in full force along the Piers, celebrating the fact that they had a day off, I was training.  Then I went to work that night too.  So I was not celebrating Labor Day, but actually laboring. 

Stop, bitter Gemma!  Anyhoo, it was fun dodging tourists down Fisherman’s Wharf and down Embarcadero.  I felt like a Mario in Super Mario Brothers dodging the mushroom guys .  I felt stealthy and alive!  And ready to straddle a flag at the end! 

Then, there’s the second lovely photo.  It was taken on my “long run day” at 7AM-Thursday.  Same place, this time it was twice as long.  8 consecutive miles.  No folks on the Piers to dodge, just freakish folks that were up at the buttcrack of dawn running FOR FUN and smiling and zipping past me.  Grrr! This time I felt like I was Mario swimming in the ocean (enter evil music from Level 2 Super Mario Brothers), flapping my arms, almost drowning, lungs begging me to stop.  

Ok-so the more I run, I realize I am not a “runner.”  Moreso an “enthusiastic jogger” as Miss Cordova schooled me on the term today.  But I am convincing myself that I have the heart of a stealthy ostrich!  (Kenya='ostrich' in English, or something like that).  Maybe not the bod and endurance and speed as a Kenyan, but a heart of one.  ?Yes, my heart.  My training watch tells me that my ticker is in good marathon-running shape.  My lungs, however, beg to differ.  My lungs were begging me to choose another cause and hobby, like strumming a ukulele.

Then after the 8 miles, I lie on the floor of my apartment and remember why I am doing this marathon in the first place...  I think of Jaden and all those afflicted with blood cancer.  Then my breath finds me once again. 

I wanted to add that Nanay Julie is sipping her coffee and eating her pan de sal in heaven.  The Diwas send their thanks to all those who sent their prayers.

6 weeks down, 10 more left.  Thank you to all those who have put their faith in me and this cause:  Team 42, Uncle Art, Krissan (she’s getting married next month!), my nursing superstars: Leanne, Linh and Yolanda; Miss Aivy Cordova (she’s doing a ½ marathon also in Dec), my favorite boys Kev & Gem Mateo (http://store.invisiblestripes.com/gems.aspx), and to KJacinto and CSarte (who I am looking forward to meeting someday)… Thank you for continuing to motivate me and thank you from LLS.  I appreciate you and your faith in us & this cause!  Love / gemma

Friday afternoon. My running shoes are talking to the sweetest of angels. And my 'I.heart.Hawaii' chinellas are chiming in too. They know it's a long road to my marathon, but we can do it. Pinwheels are turning. 98degrees in Sac (think 'heat', not boy-band). Couldn't be more perfect.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sf/honolulu10/gcalderkrk

I ran a 10K?

What a week. It started off with a heat wave in San Francisco. What? Yes! It was 88 degrees outside when I attempted to run last Tuesday. So darned hot that I chose to bring the run inside for the first time since I started training, to save myself not only from the sun, but also the tons of annoying tourists that were out and about in my neighborhood (I live behind the Piers). Not really an ilocana thing to say, we love the tropical weather. But I had to work that night too, so I didn’t think calling in sick due to heat exhaustion would be appreciated. So there I was, on a treadmill, and it was worse than watching paint dry. I desperately tried to amuse myself, but I couldn’t lip-read the newscasters on CNN. 40 minutes felt like an eternity. My arm got a workout too because I kept lifting my 10-lb watch to my face every 2 minutes (I bought a hard-core training watch and it weighs more than my head). This run was painful, not really physically, but because my mind ACHED of boredom. I am not a hamster! Flash forward to Sunday… I ran 7 miles. That's actually more than a 10K!?! Yes! I ran a 10K on Sunday! Wowsa! This time around Lake Merritt. Passed by puppies galore (oowee how I love the dee’oh’geez!) ☺ Ran by people picnicking on the grass, babies in strollers –all who stared - probably in awe of how red my face was; kids in the playground (I saw this mom who had stilettos on just watching her kids from the sidewalk (what a maroon, she wasn’t a California girl per Katy Perry), fitness freaks across from Gold’s Gym, arm-pumping-chit-chatty walkers, folks on fixies, girls on their phones talking about “Oh no he dih’int.” I swear, I’m not making this up. It was better than TV. I also test-drove my first Gu. Almost choked on the orange flavor (think : melted Jolly Rancher), but found that the chocolate one tasted like fudge. Didn’t really feel the surge of energy promised after taking in the Gu’s, but the fact that I made 7 miles (woot!) I guess is testament enough for now. And as it’s Monday, my legs do feel like jell-o when I hike up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment, but I still control them, which is enough to make me happy. Week 4 complete. 102 days left. Please don’t forget to donate! $5 goes a long long way… Thank you again. Enjoy the sunshine this week! ☺ gemma (exit song… “Don’t stop! Believing!” Hold on the feelin’! Streetlights, people ….” ) Oh! Leave me a comment if you can think of a song to add to my ‘Marathon Playlist’. !

26miles

Week 3 down, 16 more weeks remaining!  I finally completed 26 miles.  It only took 3 weeks to do it.  I wish the Hono marathon allowed that much time too.  Ha. 
This week I ran Lake Merritt and also the Lafayette Reservoir.  I logged 5.25 miles on Saturday alone.  Non-stop running, up and down hills.  Although I expected my body to take me to 6, I had to listen to my quads (and the coach) and remember that 'More is not always better.'  That pushing myself too much too soon could lead to injury.  Wise coach.  Wise quads.  I kept on, dodging the landmines (doggie poo) along the trails and praying I wouldn't swallow one of the trillion bugs flying in the air.  I wonder if that would go against my non-land-meat eating lifestyle.  ?  I remember someone saying bugs have more protein than PowerBars.  If so, I could save a lot of money running on these trails with my mouth wide open.  And yet I digress. 
Where were we?  Oh ya.  A marathon.  I've also decided that at the end of 26.2 miles that will hopefully take me less than all day to run, I will not be able to feel my extremities.  Perfect timing for that tattoo I've always wanted, but have been afraid to get.  And so on each run now, I think I'll keep imagining what I want this tattoo to look like and where and by who, etc.  Any suggestions?
I'm also very excited to announce that my dear cousin Rob has been inspired and has bought a bike and has started his own bike training.  Go Obski!  Maybe he'll read this and also save money on PowerBars.
I'm going to end this blog saying a prayer for Nanay.  Nanay Julie Diwa.  She's a tough cookie at 84 years young.  Jaden's great-grandma.  Please join me and say a prayer?
Thanks for reading folks.  Stay tuned.  Week 4 starts tomorrow.
*gem

So spoiled in the Bay.

So week 2 is complete.  I've logged 17.45 miles so far.  But even better is that I've met some inspiring people.  'Honorees' are those afflicted with blood cancer and are on remission and join us in our training sessions.  One of the honorees told me that we could dedicate a coached run to Jaden.  Cool!

So in these 2 weeks I realize there are really lovely places out here in the bay where crazy chipper runners who run for fun lurk.  And I've never been.  Just in these few training sessions, I've been to Berkeley Marina, I ran the Pier and Embarcadero, San Leandro Marina, Kezar stadium and the Marina Green.  Really beautiful spots. 

My body is paying for it though.  My quads and hams are still in pain.  I'm guilty though.  The soreness is mainly from a capoiera class I took on Wed.  But running isn't helping much.  I had a heart-to-heart with my body and we decided I won't overdue it.  I have a tendency to go a little gung-ho-crazy sometimes when I'm inspired and motivated.  So ya, gonna slow my roll here while the physical me recuperates. 

I'm at 6% of my fundraising goal now.  I have til Sept23 I think.  So keep the donations coming!  Even $5 helps and you don't have to put the amount you fronted on my fundraising page.  It can be your little secret. 

Stay posted.  Week 3 is coming up and the miles are starting to increase, woohoo!  Looking forward to checking out more lovely places here in the Bay Area. 

I've got my ammo.

Week 1.
 Just to clarify...this is not a marathon like "CSI Marathon" or "America's Next Top Model".  It's a real 26.2 mile running marathon.  But if you would rather me do a TV marathon & sponsor me, I might entertain the thought.  :P
I'm still pumped.  Especially because I have mastered one of the most important aspects of marathon running.  The steez.  The costume. The marathoner's 'fit.'
About 0.9 miles from my apt, is a great store called Feet Fleet.  I drove there.  PUahaha!!  (Hey, it was before I started training!)  Anyway, they measured my feet and watched me jog (should I admit I was slightly winded jogging around the store that's smaller than some bedrooms?  :P  ).  Then they brought out some shoes for my gait.  None were remotely cute.  My eyes couldn't tell the difference.  All white.  I don't currently own or like white shoes.  Yay.  If you know me well, I used to pride myself on my stylish kicks collection.  Gone are those days.  I agree to the shoes hop back into my car.  Hahah
Back to the fit.  Spandex pants.  Eeeeeek!!!!  Last time I wore spandex was in my 'tweens dancing "Cold Hearted Snake" with my dance crew.  You mean I can't wear scrubs when I run?  Spandex shows all the many wobbly bits.  Ow well.  Cute is definitely out the window.  :/  Then running hat is not my usual paperboy hat or beanie.  It's white with holes in it.  Argh.. 
Anyway, I've invested mucho dinero on looking the part.  Now I have to focus on the actual running...

And so the adventure begins...

"Wanna hear a joke? I'm going to run a marathon. That's it. That's the punchline."

So you still might be laughing. In disbelief ("Ya, sure Gem.") Confused? Maybe concerned. Because you know that I don't love running. I don't even like it.   26.2 miles.  It's a little bit more than running from Great Mall to Cal State East Bay (Hayward).  It's leaving my car at Folsom outlets, jogging to Sac State AND BACK to my car at the outlets.  It's from my apartment behind Ghiradelli Square-Pier 39 to the hospital I used to work at in Redwood City.  Eastridge Mall in San Jose to Cal State Hayward (now CSEast Bay).  Just checked myself for more perspective. 

But ya...

Do I think I can run 26.2 miles?  I know I can do anything I put my body, mind & soul to. And it's for LLS. Those suffering with this disease spend countless hours in hospitals. I know this from firsthand experience with family and being an Oncology nurse. Some of these folks and children put more effort in getting out of bed in the morning than I, (an able-bodied person) might do in an entire week. I owe it to them, my nephew & his family, heroes here on earth and our angels who lost the battle, and mostly to myself, to get off my ass & use this body I take for granted. And on my journey, I'll show my admiration and respect for those survivors and families, while raising money for blood cancers.

So the adventure begins.  No turning back.