I’m originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but lived in the DC area for almost 7 years, after a 7 year stint in NYC. Currently? I’m in the Philippines, trying desperately to find people to run with! While we’re here we are traveling around Asia, getting to know a lot of new places – so this little running blog is now a travel + running blog + everything else!
I have a love & hate relationship with running — some days I hate to be out there, to be training for yet another race. Others, I look forward to enjoying the weather, the good conversation and the trails as I go out for my run.
I got married in November 2010, to the love of my life, Karl. (Yep, we’re Carla and Karl!) We had a wonderful wedding with our family and friends in Rio de Janeiro.
Want to read all about the wedding? Just click on the tab above for all the posts involving it (then scroll down if you want a glimpse of our wedding pictures).
Back in DC, I needed motivation to continue running, so I created my own running group in October 2008 and started running consistently (check them out if you’re in DC/Arlington area! It’s completely free and people are great!).
Then the obsession grew: I ran 12 races in 2009, including two ten milers and a half marathon, and couldn’t have done it without the support and company from the running group. In 2010, I ran two 5k’s, one mud race, one 10k, two 10 milers, three half marathons and two marathons (Chicago, my first, and Marine Corps three weeks later)!
I am ridiculously slow — I usually run between an 10:30 to a 12 min/mile pace, and on good days I can get to 10:00 pace. All the long distance running didn’t help me get any faster, but I’m still hoping to get there at some point.
Karl joined the State Department in January 2011, and shortly after, in April, we moved to Manila, Philippines, with our puppy, Lily, and cat, Lucas.
I’ve been struggling with running since arriving, but been keeping myself busy with all the traveling! Check out my race reports and my travel pages to see our latest adventures – or even if you want tips of what to do when you travel to Asia!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions – on running, traveling or anything else!
I think it is great you started up your own running group to keep you motivated I need to try something like that I live in such a small town but would love to have a few running partners to kick me in the butt on those days I don’t feel like moving. You have a wonderful story and I look forward to following your journey.
Ah, thanks! The running group has helped — it kept me running consistently for the last year and a half, my only breaks were from injury, not laziness. It’s great!
Someone who runs at the same pace as me! I love it! I always feel like the snail of the group because I rarely run faster than 11 min/mile
Lo-Jo, yay, someone else who is slow! Sometimes I feel like I’m going SO fast, and it’s only an 11 min/mile. *sigh*
Too bad you’re not near the DC area so we could keep each other company! (Since for slow folks like us, a long run is a LONG run!)
Most def. Some days I’d love to run with a buddy but they’re all too fast for me. Even my “out-of-shape” friend can run slightly faster!
I hate that! In so many races I’m passed by faster but fatter people (or even worse, faster, fatter AND older!). And I’m like “how? How do they do it???”
I love that too. I run the same pace…it seems like all of the running blogs I read the women are so much faster than me. I love that I have someone to relate to now. Thanks!
I am “slow” as well. I have run several 10k’s and just completed my 4th half marathon. After this last half I was ready to give up running because I was so slow- glad to know there are others out there that keep plugging along even though they are not doing 8 minute miles!!! Thanks for the blog !! That’s great that you started a group! Keep posting
. I am still running & still slow!!
That group keeps me going, even if I’m one of the slowest ones out there…
I never give up though, even though I know I’ll never be able to run an 8 min/mile! (10 min/mile is my goal one day…)
You’re the first person I’ve found that runs around my pace! I feel so much better right now since practically everyone I know runs much faster than me
. I feel the same way you do, I want to run at a faster pace but if I do, then I’ll end up hurting my knee badly again and will not be able to run for months again so I have to be happy with my current place whether I like it or not :p.
I came across your blog thanks to the review you did about on Sport Skirts. You have an awesome blog!
Ah, thanks! It’s always great finding others that run as slow as me! I’m a runner, and sometimes you doubt yourself when you’re the slowest one of the group!
I just found your blog through skinnyrunner.com. I have to agree with the other commenters here! I’m so glad to have found someone who is around my pace. I’m also a slow runner, and I’ve felt like there wasn’t any point in pushing my distance until I could speed up (the furthest I’ve run in a race is 6.5km as part of a triathlon). It’s great to hear that it’s possible to do such long distances!
Heck, I can do the distance even though it takes me freaking forever to get there! Definitely possible if you’re slow, so keep it up!
Hi!
Amazing blog! Cant wait to read it! Impressive that you started your own meetup group! I have lead a few things (hikes) and I love it when I am done or doing it, but it can be a lot of work! So props to you!
Congrats on running! Don’t worry about the time, at least you are doing it! Keep it up! Awesome!
Happy running!
The running group was my way of keeping up with the running — and it worked! I have made so many wonderful friends through it, it’s worth the time I spend organizing it.
Thanks for stopping by!
So glad I stumbled on your site, I love it! And you’re not the only slow one out there.
In fact, I’ve temporarily broken up with running until we move to a climate where it’s not so hard on my asthmatic lungs.
Question for you: I saw your comment on Emily’s site about the philosophy products you use for wrinkles. I LOVE their products and our NEX just started carrying them. (we’re on Guam so shopping is limited!) Unfortunately Sephora’s site is down for maintenance. Would you mind sharing the name of the kit you use? I’d love to give it a go!
Although I hate running (I’m a bike person) I stumbled on your blog about camelbak fairfax and saw your philippine flag posted so I read further
so you’re coming here in manila. You’ll love the Philippines
There are lots of organized marathons here…. though its kinda hot coming here in April.
Are there places to bike in Manila then? I’ve been debating whether to bring my road bike, or leave it behind. Let me know!
(And the heat is awful for running, but I’ll take the heat any day over the cold!)
no worries. There are lots of bikers around here as well. But Im not very familiar with roadies though.
But if you would like to try some mountain biking trails here, it would be fun.
no worries. There are lots of bikers around here as well. But Im not very familiar with roadies though.
But if you would like to try some mountain biking trails here, it would be fun.
Haha same here! Ill take 35 degrees anytime than a minus.
Goodluck on your trip!
I hope that someday our paths will cross! I am fellow runner with a hubby in FS, and I can’t wait to run when we move to Cairo (summer 2011)! We were assigned to Los Angeles in 2009-2010 and I FINALLY got the opportunity to run frequently. I started back with the 5K and worked my way up to a 1/2 marathon.
I enjoy reading your blog! Thanks for sharing the running love!! Heather
I heard there are other runners in the FS as well — I really hope so! I dread running by myself, and do a lot better chatting away with company.
Cairo should be an exciting time! Tracy (another runner at http://www.gotracygo.com) has been there many times (and was one of the people to get evacuated recently. Definitely get in touch with her, if you want tips on Cairo from a non-FS perspective!
Moving to the Philippines?! Dang, and I will be in DC in April! Poo!
Man that is a stunning wedding photo! You’re so pretty
Ah, thanks, Shelby! Amazing what pro makeup and pictures can do for you
Now I know the celebrities’ secret!
When will you be here in April? I’ll be here from the 1st – 3rd, and the 11th – 18th.
Stumbled across your blog while looking for reviews on running skirts. So glad to see I am not the only runner around who tends to be on the slower side. I’ve only been at it for a few months (did my first 5k in March…Shamrock 5k in Baltimore), but am hooked. I’ve been obsessively signing up for races ever since (2 coming in May, one in June…looking for stuff in July, Aug and Sept. already). I’m definitely no speed demon, but so enjoy the whole race experience.
Best of luck to you on your upcoming move!
Hi, found your pages by complete accident, very good, keep up the good work! I completed the Virgin London Marathon Yesterday and like you could not run a mile only a hand full of years ago.
Mark. (Norfolk U.K.)
Hi Carla! I enjoyed reading your blog and I am happy you are here in the Philippines. I hope to meet you and Karl soon, and probably run with you both as well…
Thanks and Sweet Running! ^_^
Thanks, Amanda! I just replied to your email!
Hi, Carla.
Good stuff. Not sure if I’ve seen you running around the village. If so, great. If not, maybe I’ll run into you guys at some point. In any case, happy running.
Hi Carla–great blog and I love hearing more about Manila because I will be moving there next year to work at the Embassy! It’d be great to get your advice on all-things Manila, but particularly the housing so I will send you an e-mail soon. And I can’t promise to run with you, but I’m a big walker and walking is always more fun with company.
Hi I hope you are enjoying the Philippines as your second home. I’m Filipino ;living in NY now and I wish one day I will be able to run a marathon in the Philippines.
Your article, Elephant Riding at Ran-Tong Elephant Training Camp, is featured on Bucket List Publications. You can check it out at http://www.bucketlistpublications.com/2012/02/18/elephant-riding-at-ran-tong-elephant-training-camp/#comment-157.
Thanks for the submission and I look forward to hearing from you again,
Lesley
http://www.bucketlistpublications.com/
http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/LesleyMCarter
Hi! I just nominated you for the Picture the World! project. Please see my post (June 23rd) about the nomination and let me know if you might provide a picture of the Philippines for the project! Thanks so much!
http://3rdculturechildren.com/2012/06/23/picture-the-world
Nice blog! If you are ever in Singapore, drop by for a run
Keep running !
Hi Carla, hope one time you will join my group at Ayala Triangle, we can also help you to love utra running in the Philippines, I’m sure you will love it, giving you the opportunity to travel and to run
see yah
Hi, I found your blog whilst reading about Manila as my partner is moving there next month. It has been so helpful as it gave me an insight of what live will be like there if I move to join him (Im British currently living and working in Holland). It was good to see that you made friends and seem to enjoy life there :0)
Glad to know I could help! Lots of Brits here too (and a few Dutch!).