Got the Runs: Preparation for the Triathlon & Philippines

After my marathon, I took a week off of running to give my legs a well-deserved break and to prepare for final exams. That week passed quickly (I passed all my exams, got the 24-hour flu, and rode my bike a few times) and next up was my week long trip to the Philippines. Taiwan was getting too cold, so it was nice to get back into the heat.
I stayed on Panglao Island for 4 days. I stayed in a hut-like room at Mabuhay Beach Resort. It's located in a great area near Alona Beach. Riding my motorcycle 7-hours around the Bohol Island was so relaxing, that is, until it started raining. The Chocolate Hills were really cool, as was all the great Spanish influenced architecture. If you ever head to Bohol, make sure you check out Panglao Island, Alona Beach, Bachlayon Church, and the Chocolate Hills.
I did go on one run on Panglao Island. I ran 7.22 miles in 1 hour. The humidity and amount of smoke in the air was killing me. It seems like everyone was burning their fields that day. It was still really nice getting out there on my two feet to let my mind run wild and get clear again.
The rest of my trip was spent in Manila. My Taiwan visa expired so I had to renew it at the TECO (Taiwan Consulate). Manila was interesting. I really love all the food, and public transportation there is really easy once you understand it. Taking the Jeepney saves you a ton of money, but I didn't really now who to do it until this Filipino woman (who live in Taiwan) showed me how to do it. I went all over the place. The Mall of Asia is the biggest mall I have ever seen. I'm not one for huge department stores, but I needed two white button up shirts. I also checked out the huge knock-off market, but didn't buy anything. I've seen better prices in Guangzhou, China and chances are I'll be there this summer.

1/23 - 5k in 23:31.
1/31 - 10.23 miles in 1:21:26.
2/3 - 2.18 miles in 14:43.

I need to get in the pool! Swimming 1.5km in a lap pool isn't too hard, but I haven't done it in open water.
The biking is not a problem for me. Yesterday, I rode 16km up Daken Mountain. The ride down only took 12 minutes! I swear, within the first 10 seconds of the ride down I fell in love with cycling. I can't wait to get back up there. In an hour, I'm checking out an all carbon bike for sale. If it fits and the price is right, I'm getting it.