Ever since Natasha and I got into running we dreamed of joining the iconic Milo Marathon series. We had friends who had run the qualifying races and earned their right to a free marathon in December. That sounded good to us and I attempted to qualify in 2010 but missed out by 19 minutes when I ran 4:08:30.
Luckily we both qualified for the finals in 2011 and 2014. Every marathon gives you a different experience from which to learn.
It was a lot of fun (and very educational) to be at the InterContinental Manila as a presenter for the Management Association of the Philippines Lifestyle Forum.
With the 38th Milo Marathon this Sunday the 27th of July 2014 I wanted to share the many lessons I have learned in my previous 13 marathons. This will be my 4th Milo Marathon and I am glad to support the race knowing that it has been such a well respected race in the Philippines.
One day I hope to have run 65 marathons like my friend Willy Yao and I am sure I will still be learning valuable lessons then too.
13 Marathons – 13 Lessons
Marathon 1. You Have To Be Well Nourished Before and During the Marathon
I went into my first marathon with total ignorance and paid a heavy price. The Subic International Marathon 2009 (4 hours 31 minutes) was a lesson in nutrition for me as I did not eat a proper lunch before the 4pm start. I was top 30 after 32km and then I hit the wall. I did not even have any food or cash on me that day but I always do now.
Marathon 2. It Is More Fun and Rewarding to Share the Journey
I ran the Great Wall of China Marathon in 2010 in 4:49:39. We joined a Filipino contingent and made some excellent friends and had the time of our lives. Realizing how great it was to be part of a large group helped sway us to join the Melbourne Ironman 2014.
Carbonara Sauce, who does not like this classic sauce? I am sure that no one I know doesn’t enjoy the smokiness of the bacon, the earthy flavors of the mushrooms, the richness of the cream, egg and Parmesan!
All of these flavors make one of the most famous worldwide dishes …. oops did I forget to mention the pasta? Yes I did, because today it is a carbonara without the pasta. I am making it primed for you guys.
Carbonara without pasta is a dream come true for those people who want to avoid pasta?
Please, let’s get ready in your kitchen, it’s going to be fun.
Ok, I confess, I loved beer.
Previously, I could not have imagined a life without beer. Seriously, that is how much I loved the amber ale.
My First San Miguel Beer Was at 5 Years-of-Age
Continue reading Beer, What Is It Good For? Beer Belly vs. 6-Pack.
I have a confession to make. As the owner, manager and breakfast cook in my own restaurant in Brisbane for 3 years I never learned how to make an Omelette. It seemed too difficult. I made a great Eggs Benedict, Wood Fired Breakfast Pizza and a lot of other dishes, but I always avoided the Omelette.
After receiving a few good tips from Chef Cyrille I decided to give it a go one morning during our holiday in London. I am pleased to say that it went well and my 2 children loved it.
It is not such a difficult dish to do after all as you will soon see.
Here is a complete meal in one nutritious slice. It might take a couple of hours of cutting vegetable and other preparations but it is definitely worth the effort. It is also a dish that can be stored in the fridge and eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner on subsequent days.
Traditional lasagne is usually creamy and involves layers of wheat sheets of pasta. As we know, wheat contains gluten, to which a growing number of people have difficulty digesting and choose to avoid. If you are like me and want to reduce (or eliminate) grains and/or gluten in your diet then here is an alternative to the traditional lasagne.
By substituting the pasta sheets with zucchini, squash and eggplant sheets you are making this dish far healthier. You are choosing higher quality foods that won’t spike your blood sugar and are therefore fuelling your body with optimal sources of calories.
It is not easy to maintain fitness whilst at work slumped over your computer most of the day. We lead a sedentary work day and then commute home only to watch TV until bed time. This is not conducive to good health so here are a few tips for you to Prime your work day.
Top 7 Ways To Become Fitter Whilst at Work
Holiday excess! Two words we do not like at all. We all usually come home with excess baggage from our holiday. Excess because of the new clothes, gifts for friends and souvenirs. But what about the excess weight around your waistline and butt? This is a usual occurrence after a great vacation where we return heavier than we left due to over-eating and drinking, and not getting enough exercise.
This post relates to our recent 3 weeks in Italy, France and the UK where we managed to return as we departed: fit and healthy. Here are a few hints on how to have a great holiday that could leave you a little lighter in body, enriched in mind, and save you some cash as well.
Continue reading How to Maintain a PRIMED Lifestyle while on HOLIDAY
Who doesn’t enjoy a smooth, sweet and delicious chocolate mousse? It is a great dessert but unforgiving on your hips with the sugar, cream and chocolate that make it a rare treat for those who are more conscious of what they eat. Well, how about a dessert that is good for you so you can enjoy it without the guilt? Try our Primed Mousse with natural fruit sugars only, chia seeds, coconut cream and a little grated cocoa on top to finish a tasty treat for the family.
This is a delicious dish for dessert or even a snack before or after exercise.
Continue reading PRIMED MOUSSE
Primed for Your Life 