Unilab Run United 1

It’s a wellness race again for the year 2011. This time I ran 21k in a prestigious Unilab Run United 1 organized by runrio. Last November 2010 was only 3k and that’s my second run race.

I'll spare everyone the suspense now (and hope you'll all continue to read anyway...), but I got a new PR this race 02:27 OMG!!!! 

Okay, I laid everything out the night before so I could get out the door quickly and get to the race on time. The sky was pitch-black when I left our condo. It was still dark when I parked and pinned bib numbers onto my race belt and it was so annoying ‘cause when I’m already to go, there’s something in my stomach that also ready to go, so I have to use the pay toilet which cost 10 pesos.

The course was almost completely flat perfect to run at an even pace, except the kalayaan flyover. My strategy during my training runs and during the race was to use my legs as little as possible on all the uphill sections, while at the same time exaggerating the use of my upper body (forward arm swing and increased lean). On the downhill sections my objective was to lean into the downhill and allow my stride to lengthen as much as possible. I was basically trying to run as fast as I could safely manage on all the downhill by cooperating with the pull of gravity (which I also did in condura).

The first 10 km are always relatively easy for me, so I could break out of the pack; albeit not by much except for two times full over just to answer the question of nature. I maintained a very steady pace, not even slowing down in the third quarter although this was the one where my feet and muscles began aching and I was thinking “what a stupid idea; why didn’t I just go for a long walk instead?” The last quarter is psychologically easier because you’re already counting down the km markers: 19, 20 and finally 21. With the goal of a race time of 2 hours in sight, I managed to carry on regardless of physical pain and fatigue, fighting for every minute.

Crossing the finish line was a happy moment and, I admit it, feeling proud. I realized the big payoff that consistent training brings. Amazingly, I still had energy (the extra fueling worked!).

Now I am going to ache and limp for 2 days, but the sense of achievement is worth it.

My first 21K at Condura Skyway Marathon

 We set off to Ayala triangle 3 in the morning eager to run the much awaited Condura Skyway Marathon. As I look for my designated start corral which is under letter (A) I saw my fellow UP aNR Willy Dineros and John Alex. There was a fiesta atmosphere and the place was packed. The place was full of eager runners you can see excited faces and hear excited voices; you’d think we’ll take some time to finish. 

I started like in my previous run race in a moderate pace after the gun was fired. From the middle of the pack I trampled slowly increasing my pace little by little. I moved on loosely together with hundreds of runners, veterans and newbie’s, with me sharing the road. The first water/aid station was along Amorsolo and I didn’t hesitate grasping a cup for hydration. We turn right in Arnaiz going to the footbridge of the skyway. It was a heartbreak ascending in the skyway.

At the top of the skyway you could see the huge and beautiful road and it seems no end. Still dark surrounds the area you could hardly see the skyscraper along the vicinity. But there lights alluring your eyes to behold.

 

Running the car-less section of the skyway was bliss and heart breaking, like a roller coaster ups and down. Add up the cool weather, it was an enjoyable race. The fresh air amidst the rolling terrain was an unforgettable experience.

I reached 5km faster than my goal pace and was surprised that my rhythm was still fine; I guess it was the taper that matter. I felt good, although by the time I was headed back to BGC I felt footsore and tired. But I have to move on and ignore the pain. The only relief was when I reached the water/aid station I slowed down and walked to have a sip.

I took a little advantage downwards the skyway. I let the gravity do down for me. At least I didn’t exert any effort to run and have time to relax my muscle a little bit. It was another struggle along Buendia although the road was fine and some crowded push you to gain the race.

What fulfills me more is when I saw my wife rushing to hug me and my son taking pictures at me in the finish line. It’s really great to see your loved ones at the end of the race. It takes away your weary. I was pretty satisfied with the outcome of this race. I finished strong for 2:33:40 wanting to do another half marathon again.

La Salle Greentennial run

Jan. 23, 2011

It’s late at night …or it’s too early in the morning….whatever… Just woke up past 1am for La Salle Greentennial run. This time I’m not a runner but a marshal. I volunteered as a marshal when Kat (my colleague in aNR UP) posted that they needed a volunteers in Greentennial run. My son Mark also volunteered as a photographer.

We arrived at the running place in Bonifacio Global City at around 2pm in order to know where our post will be. I tried to find a free parking but the area was already closed, so I just parked at the pay parking which I can’t do anything but to park hehehe “gastos talaga”.

  

(i'm in white with green sleeve t-shirt)

So there’s it goes, people were so busy assembling those tents, sounds, arc etc. And then finally, I saw Jamby who is the race director and the one who will tell where our posts will be. I was assigned in the start/finish area where we will guide and assist the runners in their finish lane according to their race categories.

As we got our volunteers’ shirts my son jokingly said “tara na dad uwi na tayo hehehe”. I was laughed at his nasty suggestion. But we’re there to see the actual looks, glamour and emotion of a runner. And to him, was for the enhancement of his photography.

It was misting when the gun blown in the air.  I could see the ardent desire of a runner, like a bull when they hurriedly kick off the starting line to beat their personals best.  Some was for fun and just want to experience the actual run race. And other was for the pictures hehehe pang facebook ika nga.

I saw runners in their glamorous running suit, their new techno accessories which some said it helps for their running.  Some wearing wigs or something that people will attract to look at them. But in the end it's your strength and endurance is the key to finish the race.

PSE Bull-Run

Jan. 9, 2011

PSE Bull-Run welcome the year as my first run race in 2011. It was a perfect time to trim those excess fats and sugar took last yuletide season.

Having no work out run for holiday it really hard for me to take off at the starting line. I took one step at a time listened to my body if I can do my second 10k. I didn’t even bring any hydration bottle. I just recognized it when I felt thirsty along 3^rd avenue. At the top of kalayaan fly-over was so dark there were no street lights and I could barely see what’s ahead of me. When my shoe lace was untied I saw a shattered glass scattered along the pavement.

At last I saw a water station down the foot bridge of kalayaan fly-over going to Makati Avenue. I stopped and grabbed a cup of Gatorade to fill-out my drought mouth. At the intersection of Buendia and Makati Avenue runners had to nimble to dodge in able not to get bump by irate and reckless drivers.

Upon reaching the u-turn slot at the corner of Malugay st. and Buendia Ave. there was a water station again but they’re ran-out of a cup. So we used our hand to sip just to hydrate ourselves. And one more thing they don’t have a marshal to give a band to runners in u-turn slot. 


The same things happened when we go back lack of hydration station and marshals.

I felt exhausted and annoyed in this race. I thought PSE would be one of the great events that I could run. Plus “hay naku” the giveaways haaaayyy…one can of tuna sardines and one bottle of beverage.

I just finished my 2^nd 10k 01:06:26