RUNNR Cebu To Be Launched 19 November 2009

With the success of its first branch (and only one so far) in Bonifacio High Street, the folks at RUNNR have expanded their services by making their way to the Visayas.

According to the marketing division of the said establishment (to whom I got in touch with early this afternoon), RUNNR will be making its debut in the queen city of the South – Cebu City – with a launch targeted on November 19, 2009! This is indeed very good news to the running community in Cebu as the sport is increasingly attracting individuals from all walks of life, whether young or old alike. Might I say, the folks at RUNNR will not regret making their way to Cebu and serving the rapidly growing running population here. =)

It is expected that this new branch will be offering the same services as in BHS – particularly the gait analysis. I’m pretty sure that they will have this one also so that newbie and experienced runners will be guided in choosing the right shoe that will take them to places. GO RUNNR! =)

Cebu runners, mark off November 19 from your calendars and head to the launch of RUNNR at Ayala Center. Trust me, this is one event you would not want to pass. Who knows, you might get your next pair of shoes here, as well as additional running gear – and be part of Team RUNNR Cebu! =D

Oh, and speaking of which, RUNNR Cebu is actively looking for people to be part of their team. Only one requirement is needed – ardor and passion for running. If you wish to try it out, send your resumes to hrd@runnr.com.ph.

Hoping to see you all of there. I will post more news regarding the opening as it comes along.

(Thanks to Nicole of RUNNR Marketing for sharing this information.)

Race Review: 1st QC International Marathon, October 18

This race marks my only running event for the month of October. It’s yet another momentous occasion for runners like myself because for ths first time, we will get to experience running above the wide, concrete-laden spaces of Commonwealth Avenue. In addition, this race will be graced by Kenyan runners, who are known for their speed and agility when it comes to the sport. They were spread across various running categories, and might I say, THEY’RE REALLY, REALLY FAST!

For the first time, I volunteered to serve as a pacer for the race. There were many time categories to sign up for – a 2:15, 2:30, and a 2:45 finish. Since the last two were already fully loaded, I decided to stick with the 2:15 finish. When I did my previous 21K attempts at the Cebu leg of the 33rd Milo Marathon and the Globe-Ayala Run For Home event, I came up with really good times (2:17 and 2:16, respectively). I thought that I would be able to achieve a 2:15 finish, so I signed up for it. I was to serve as pacer along with a fellow running buddy, Pat. That meant I had to train hard again before this race – and that I did. Numerous tempo runs and a few speed runs/interval attempts would have done the trick. Unfortunately, I felt I was undertrained because I didn’t have any long runs whatever – if you would consider 10K to be a long run, that is. This was brought about by many factors. But though I didn’t have any LSD training, I was stil confident that I would make the 2:15 mark, and my eyes were set on gaining a new 21K PR.

Race day came and I had my first dose of stress already. I wanted to park as close as possible to the starting line itself, but I ended up parking quite far from where everyone was, to the point that I had to walk a little over a kilometer to get to the starting line. Add to that, I wasn’t even in my running shoes yet (usually I would wear them before handing over my bag to the people at the baggage check area so that my feet will be a little more relaxed). I scurried as there were only 15 minutes before the race started. After making final preparations, I went to where takbo.ph was located. A little after, my pacer balloon was tied (c/o Pepsi) and stretched a bit. Garmin pace alerts were set between 6:10 to 6:40 min/km, just like what happened at the Run For Home event. Yup, I was feeling great, though I showed up late. I will not fail this run and I will have a new 21K PR!

KM 1-5: Chill.
21K runners started promptly at 5AM. The first 5K of the 21K course took runners to the academic loop of UP Diliman. The loop was all on asphalt so it provided relief for our legs. Everything was still fine and dandy at this point, but I made sure not to go over or under the required pace if I was going to make the 2:15 target. Along who were with me were Edu and Vic. We even got to see the 6:00+ 42K pacers, led by Pojie. They were just about to exit UP at that time, at LSD pace. Chill running indeed. We exited UP just before 5:30 AM. Now it was time for us to head to Commonwealth Avenue. It was my first time to run in this section of the metropolis – and probably the same for everyone else – and I was quite excited when we got to the avenue itself. Just like the Quezon Memorial Circle, it was completely closed to traffic.

KM 6-10: Humidity Strikes.
It started to rain a bit upon reaching Commonwealth Avenue. Again, this was an additional reprieve. Too bad the shower didn’t last long, though. But what was weird was that though the sun wasn’t up yet and it was quite dark, the environment was very humid. I couldn’t run for long because there would come points in time when I had to walk due to exhaustion and thirst. Like what I have been doing in my previous long runs, I didn’t bring any hydration belt as I discovered that such deters me from running faster than expected. This is why I had to stop and grab an isotonic sports drink or a cup of water at EVERY single water stop there was in Commonwealth – and that contributed to uneven splitting in this section of the race.

Along the way there were many spectators – but there was a particular group that served as “cheerers” for the race. They were holding pom-poms, offering shots of petroleum jelly, and handing out banana slices to those who needed it. Somehow they gave the push everyone needed for the 21K runners to reach the halfway point, located across the Batasan Complex. If I only had a light camera with me I would have taken pictures of them.

KM 11-16: The Jolt.
After making the u-turn near the Batasan Complex, everyone made their way back to Quezon Memorial Circle. The last few kilometers of the race will take everyone to Trinoma. I was practically bathing mostly from the water that I was pouring over my head and less of the sweat. The humidity wasn’t as much as forceful as it was in KM 6-10, but still, it proved itself bad. Again, I had to stop at every single water station to refuel and get a bath to dissipate the heat. I passed once again the “cheerers” and they were asking me if I could give them the pacer balloon that was tied to my race belt. =P

Suddenly, the tables turn. After climbing the steepest hilly section of the route on the way to KM14 – starting from Tandang Sora all the way to the central temple of INC – my calves were starting to feel an “initial shock”, so to speak, most especially the left leg. The jolts were trying to indicate that I was about to have cramps. But there was no pain just yet and the jolts didn’t affect my running that much yet, so I still kept myself at par with the required pace until I finally reached the northern end of the Quezon Memorial Circle. I checked my Garmin and after doing initial computations, I was going to reach the target, even if I slowed down my pace further. After getting another cup of water, I immediately set the pace zones to 6:30 to 7:00 min/km. There were 5 kilometers left, with only 35 minutes to go before the target time is achieved, and if I kept steady at 7:00 km/min, I would still get a new record.

KM 17-21: The Downfall.
The jolts on my leg were more frequent than ever. In order to alleviate this, I was forced to stop and stretch a bit, and massage my calves so that I wouldn’t experience cramps. At this point I finally realized that with the stop-and-go approach I was implementing, the 2:15 target will not be achieved. The best that I could hope for was a 2:20 finish. But before making the u-turn to Trinoma I had a major stop after feeling major vibrations from the left calf. Darn it, this wasn’t good at all. To save myself from embarassment, I removed the 21K pacer balloon tied to me and let it float across the skies. Forget the target time, what mattered most now was to finish the race no matter what the cost!

I tried to keep within 7:00 km/min as much as possible on the way to the finish. I was hoping that there was Salonpas on the few remaining support stations of the 21K route, but too bad there weren’t any. It was too late already.

After passing KM19, I saw a 42K Kenyan runner pass out. He was unconscious and security guards, along with other spectators, came to his aid, doing their best to wake up him up and finish the race. An ambulance came to pick him up.

It was also after passing KM19 when I let out with a scream. My left leg had finally suffered from leg cramps! I dropped on my butt and lay flat on my back and my scream to a minimum as much as possible though my calf had hurt seriously bad. A security guard and a fellow runner came to my aid and stretched my foot. I didn’t get his name, though, but thanks for the help, I really appreciate it. After resting for a few minutes and stretching both of my legs, I was on my feet again. Though I wanted to push I didn’t want to injure myself again, so I ran VERY slowly until I cross the finish line. I was with Vic yet again, and we were pacing with the 2:30 21K finish group. Finally, after bearing with the injury of my left leg, I crossed the mat with a Garmin reading of 2:26:24. 11 minutes off target, unfortunately, but it didn’t matter. At least I finished.

The first thing I did immediately was to stretch to prevent any relapse of the dreaded cramps. It was my first time to suffer from such DURING the race and let me tell you, it’s not a good experience. Lesson learned for me – I should stretch for a longer period of time before any race – and arm myself with bananas. It’s a runner’s best friend. I really should have thought of eating those banana slices that the “cheerers” were offering during the race.

I may have failed as a pacer in this event. But it’s okay. At least I got to experience it. The next time I get to do pacing duties again I’ll make sure to run slower than useful – say 2:30 or 2:45, like what Selle, Gab, Neil, and Carina did. There’s always a next time – and I would sure love to pace for runners once again. But for now, I see a revenge run coming soon to make up for this bad performance.

Here’s my review of the race:

D (direction) – starting point at Quezon Memorial Circle -> academic Loop at UP Diliman -> Commonwealth Avenue -> u-turn at Batasan Complex -> backtrack at Commonwealth Avenue -> North Avenue -> u-turn before reaching EDSA -> run through Trinoma -> head back to North Avenue -> finish line at Quezon Memorial Circle. This course was a difficult one because of the hilly sections of Commonwealth. They were in varying degrees and lengths. But the experience of running across a major thoroughfare was all worth it.

R (registration) – various registration centers were set up in Manila, even in Cebu. Thumbs up to the organizers for this one for giving a chance to those temporarily/permanently residing down south to be part of the race.

U (uhaw) – given the humidity that I described a while ago, you will thirst heavily in this road race.

M (money) – your money will give you a finisher’s medal, a finisher’s certificate, drinks, and other freebies in a Nike Human Race tote bag. Sweet!

S (safety) – the organizers closed down a portion of Commonwealth and the Quezon Memorial Circle. Now THAT’s safe.

Pictures follow:

Ready to rock and roll.

With the Rod Runner and the Jazz Runner. =)

The pacers.

The second thing I do after completing a race – grab that SLR and start shooting.

Pacer balloons. I got these from my co-pacer, Pat.

Proud to be in it.

Wow, LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNS.

Wow, if those were real legs, I wonder what his pace will be. =P

Wonder where Kenyan runners get their source of energy? =)

Argo’s infamous badoodle shot yet again.

The family.

Here’s the route that we took…

And a split analysis.

After this week, my training begins for the much awaited event on 07 February 2010. LET’S DO THIS. =)

(Thanks to Marga and Shel for some of the pictures.)

My ONLY Race For October

Usually in a month I’d be present in at least 2 races. But for this month the tides have changed – temporarily. =P

I’ll be running 21K in this event tomorrow…

What’s more, I’m serving as pacer for those who want to achieve a 21K finish time of 2:15. =)

For all those running the event tomorrow, whether in the short- or long-distance category, the best of luck to all of you! Some final reminders for all of us…

> detox as much as you can
> get enough rest
> ready your gear as early as possible
> believe and PRAY – we can do this.

As a parting thought – “the solution to distance is length”. Think about it. =)

The Running Addiction Test

Got this one from frrunner. Thanks. =)

Directions: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the strongest, weight each of the following statements as they apply to you and your running. Then total your numbers and check the interpretations at the end of the test. Fill out the test in pencil, or make photocopies so you can retake it periodically.

• ___Running is extremely important to me. I’m positive that I’ll be running for the rest of my life.
• ___A day without a run is a day without sunshine.
• ___If it becomes downright impossible to get my workout in today, I can always double up tomorrow.
• ___Until I get my workout in, I’m a real bear, as in unbearable.
• ___A little pain indicates there’s serious progress being made.
• ___If two aspirin/ibuprofen are good, four are twice as good.
• ___Warm-up and cool-down are important, but it’s what comes in the middle of a workout that counts.
• ___As far as running goes, more is always better.
• ___A string of running days must remain unbroken.
• ___Quality without quantity is impossible.
• ___Of course I know how many miles I ran last month!
• ___Unless you’ve run a marathon, you’re not a real runner.
• ___The more marathons you’ve run, the more serious a runner you are.
• ___Rest is for the weary, not for the strong.
• ___Discomfort exists to run through, not to be an insurmountable barrier.
• ___All my friends are runners, and I wouldn’t consider befriending a non-runner.
• ___Many running-related pains can be gotten rid of by running through them.
• ___If a shirt doesn’t boast a race logo, it isn’t one I want to wear.
• ___It exhibits their inbred weakness if people don’t want to hear my step-by-step recreations of races I’ve run.
• ___If I have a piddling injury and a sports medicine expert says I shouldn’t run, it’s obviously time for a second (or third) opinion.

Where does your total fall?
• 161-200: Running addiction personified. Get help quickly.
• 121-160: Leaning toward running addiction; beware.
• 81-120: Neutral.
• 41-80: Fitness with a mellow bent.
• 20-40: Approaching terminal mellow; better sign up for a race.

I got a 150 on this test. What’s yours?

This test comes from the ingenious mind of Richard Benyo.

Richard Benyo is editor of a new running publication, Marathon & Beyond, which debuts in January as a bimonthly published by Human Kinetics. Benyo has written 15 books on fitness, health, and sports, including Masters of the Marathon (Atheneum, 1983) and Making the Marathon Your Event (Random House, 1992). He has served as executive editor of Runner’s World (1977-84) and is the veteran of 37 marathons. In 1989, he and running partner Tom Crawford became the first athletes ever to run in midsummer from Badwater in California’s Death Valley to the peak of Mt. Whitney and back, a distance of 300 miles. He claims to be a recovering exercise addict.

Feet on Fire: Race Against Cancer

Posting this after receiving a personal invite. =)

Nov. 8, 2009, 5AM, McKinley Hill, Taguig
3k, 5k, 10k, 15k, and 6k relay

Registration period: October 16 to November 8

Registration areas:
-McKinley Hill showroom in Fort Bonifacio
-McKinley Information Center in McKinley Hill
-UPCE tambayan at Rm.407-B College of Business Administration, UP Diliman (Tuesday-Friday)
-booths during other running events

Contact details:
cell: 0917-9318533
e-mail: feetonfire09@yahoo.com
website: entrepreneurscircle.multiply.com

The Best Run YOU Can Join

Ondoy Afterthoughts + A Run for Ondoy Victims

Heartbreaking.

This is undeniably the right word to describe the tragedy that occurred over most of Luzon last weekend, 26-27 September. Almost every single province belonging to it fell victim to the massive, unforgiving floods brought about by tropical storm Ondoy (international codename Ketsana). The event was so irrevocably immense to the point that 25 provinces were declared in a state of calamity all in one day. This storm will forever be marked in the hearts and memories of many Filipinos as lives were lost, memorabilia swept away, and personal property severely – or even permanently – damaged, lessening the possibility of recovery by those who own it. The floods brought about by the storm picked no one – whether rich or poor, almost everyone was included in its warpath.

Almost every section of the metropolis was submerged in floodwater, while bringing along mud. Even the road that was once thought as flood-proof gave in to the fury of the flood. Vehicles were being carried away while others were completely swallowed as the flood raged. People were scrambling to higher ground and to safety, while trying to salvage whatever they can. People even braved and risked their lives moving through the floodwater to rescue others. Vehicular traffic on major thoroughfares stopped to let the flood cool itself down, but to no avail, leaving motorists and commuters stranded, with no choice but to go through water-ridden roads and find their way home on foot. Streets, roads, avenues, and practically every single portion of asphalt and concrete had flood reaching to as high as the neck. The scenes got worse and worse as the rain progressed. Municipalities were render non-passable to all forms of vehicles. Power was gradually being cut down, same with phone lines. What’s worse, villages sank.

As the storm moved out of the country, one cannot help but look at the aftermath. Many people died, while many remain missing. The number of families that were displaced would have probably reached an all-time high. Several parts of Metro Manila remain deep in floodwater. Majority of the roads are still covered in mud. Individuals are scrambling to get relief goods. People are now moving back to their residences, hoping to save at least even a small portion of their property that was consumed by the worst flooding in the history of Luzon. It has been so bad that almost everyone in my circle of close relations was affected one way or another, whether it be my relatives, my office colleagues, my former bandmates, and even the running community – and to the one reading this post, I’m sure pretty much the same happened to you.

It’s pleasing to know that even private groups and international superstars are pitching in to do their share to help those who had befallen to Ondoy. As of this writing, relief goods are continuously coming in from schools, universities, and even private organizations. Kind-hearted volunteers have been busy working around the clock, along with the military and the police, to help alleviate the situation as much as they can. Even those who get off from work early contribute as much as they can to help their fellowmen rise once again from the depth.

Though the situation may be heartbreaking, we Filipinos are known to be resilient. Things may look bleak as of the moment, but as time passes, we will stand up from the damage once again. We will rebuild everything piece by piece with patience, perseverance, and help from God. We can look at it another way – the country has been torn, ravaged, and disjoined by several external factors. Now our government is calling (or should that be has been previously calling) for unity so that the country may reach its full potential and glory once again. Instead of praying for unity to happen, maybe this is the chance and once-in-a-lifetime to prove that we can stand united.

We can only hope that everyone who has been directly affected by Ondoy will be kept safe from further harm, and will stabilize in the coming days.

In light of this tragedy, a road race has been initiated here in Cebu as a fundraiser for the victims of Ondoy. Here are the details:

Event: Run for Ondoy Victims
Date: 18 October 2009, 6AM
Location: P. Larrazabal Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
Reg Fee: Php300 (or more from your heart)

I’m very sure that more charity events like these will be organized in the future, especially by the running community, to help those who are in need of aid and assistance. It is indeed a cause worth supporting. If I only had the time, logistics, and capacity, I myself would also want to organize a fundraiser in the form of a road race. This idea could definitely be used by the running community – indeed, through our legs we can contribute to betterment. Not only do we have helping hands, but helping legs, for that matter. =)

New Balance Power Race POSTPONED!

ATTENTION, FELLOW RUNNERS!

Due to severe weather conditions in Manila as of this writing, the race organizers, race directors, and race sponsors have officially announced that the New Balance Power Race will be postponed to a later date to protect the safety of the running community.

The new schedule for the said run will now be on November 29, 2009.

All those reading this post now, please spread the word!

(Credits go to Ellen aka kelcy33 of takbo.ph for the info.)

Race Review: ROTARun 2009, September 20

The night before the race I went into yet another emotional battle. I tried to keep myself calm as much as possible so that it wouldn’t affect me, but it was quite useless. Those tears were flowing and much pain had sunk into my system that… Oh, never mind. I’m sorry. I’m supposed to be doing a race review. Anyhow, I tried to get as much rest as I could since this race would be the day where I would try to get a new 21K personal record.

Come race day, the feelings in my heart were still there, but it was a brand new opportunity to live, so I might as well race my heart out so that I’ll get some endorphins into my system. I got out of bed and prepped up, making sure to arrive at the race site 30 minutes before gun start. It was another course that will be plying through McKinley Hill – the famed hilly stretch which gets most runners walking on the way to Lawton Avenue (including myself). With a little prayer I promised that I would be giving my best, no matter what the cost, because I really want a new record. My target time for this race was under 2:16. That would be just fine for me – I’m bringing down my personal bests one minute at a time.

My Garmin pace setting was set to alarm above 6:08 min/km and below 6:38 min/km. This is probably punishment for me, but what the heck, if I’m gunning for a new record then might as well push it to the limit. But setting those aforementioned paces did give me a lot of trouble, because once I was through walking the uphill leading to Lawton Avenue (yes, I really did, but at least I was able to run a fourth of it), my spirits started to go low after making the u-turn that will lead me to Fort Bonifacio Gate 3. Add to that, I had initial signs of side stitch after passing KM5 or KM6. But still I pushed myself to keep within my targeted pace. But upon reaching Bayani Road, the pain of the side stitch was starting to grow, so I had to stop running for a while and re-adjust the pace.I had no choice but to shift down to 6:30 km/min to 7:00 km/min. That way I should still be able to finish strong. This was also the time when one of my running buddies, Ellen, caught up with me. She was pacing Timmy as he was aiming for a 2:20 finish. From KM9 onwards, I decided to go along with Ellen and Timmy as we headed down to C5. So far, so good.

Later on we entered Heritage Park, where we did the remaining few kilomters of the 21K route. I encouraged Timmy to keep within pace as much as possible, same with Ellen. Before making the u-turn that will lead us out of the cemetery, I paced along with Vic, and that persisted until we left Heritage Park and ran the final sections to Lawton Avenue. Now running along a cemetery is quite a unique experience since everything was so peaceful, but then again, I didn’t like the feeling of running across mausoleums and tombstones because I fear that the spirits might stumble upon me all of a sudden. Quite freaky, but still, it was fun running there.

At the approach to KM15, the side stitch had made itself felt again, and I was forced to walk around half a kilometer until I got to the front of the entrance to the Army football field. Chugging on my final cup of water, I pushed myself to get to the finish line as soon as possible. While I was heading down McKinley Hill to get to the finish line I checked my Garmin – a few kilometers had to be done more before reaching the 21st. But Bong had told us who were just about to finish that the route was short. Oh well, at least I’ll be finishing the race with a relatively good time. I arrived at the finish line in 2 hours and 2 minutes, with 17.75K total distance covered.

So sad that the route was cut short. But then again, it was a good route, since I got to run across Heritage Park for the first time, and I got to practice running across the hills again, though I lacked practice. I was undertrained for this event, so to speak, but it was a wonderful long run nonetheless. I extend my congratulations to all those who finished the half-marathon. It’s another medal for us in the bag for us to marvel at in the future. I also salute to those who ran their 21K for the very first time – it’s a very big accomplishment, and I’m sure you’ve proven your limits. =)

But more importantly, I extend my congratulations to the takbo.ph people who organized this event – Doc Lyn, Jinoe, and Que. Indeed, though it was your first time to set up a race and though it may have cost you valuable hours of sleep, it was undoubtedly a success, and I hope that you’ll be able to give birth to more running events in the upcoming months. You guys rock! =D

So, did I beat my 21K PR? I would say no. The route was short, and I don’t want to cheat on myself. There will be another chance come the New Balance Power Race this week. =)

Here’s my review of the race:

D (direction) – start from the back of the Chinese International School, then make your way to Venetia Drive, go straight to Upper McKinley Road, then make a u-turn upon reaching the Britsh Embassy. Head up to Lawton Avenue then just before you reach Old Lawton Avenue, make a u-turn to head to Bonifacio Gate 3. Upon reaching said destination, make a right to Bayani Road down to C5, then make another u-turn, making sure to enter Heritage Park. Run the outer perimeter then head back to where you came from, attack Bayani Road, Lawton Avenue, then descend to McKinley Hill to end up at the finish line. Medium to difficult race route.

R (registration) – I got myself in during the Urbanite event. There were other places to register yourself for this race also, so I have no problems with this one.

U (uhaw) – there were water stations every 2K. No need for a hydration belt on this one.

M (money) – 200 bucks gives you the usual race bib plus a singlet and some freebies in the end. Good value for runners here.

S (safety) – race marshalls were scattered all across the race route. In fact, some members of the Army, special forces, and the PNP pitched in to make the running route safe. Thanks for your help, guys. =)

Some pics follow:

(from Sir Pio) Why so serious? =P

(also from Sir Pio) Rock and run, baby.

The organizers – thanks again for another good race:

Doc Lyn;

Jinoe; and

Que. Good job to all. =)

See you again soon, guys…

And hope to eat with you again after the run. =)

Here’s the route…

And my split analysis. Very uneven splitting. =(

Race Review: Ayala Malls Eco Dash, September 13

Another 10K effort for me on this one.

I woke up quite early for this race to do one thing: to check if the rain will be ruining the race for everyone. It had been continuously raining the previous night and I felt the same might happen on race day. Fortunately, the rain stopped itself around 20 minutes after I woke up. If it didn’t I would screw race day. Realizing that there were no more drops falling from the skies, I immediately got dressed, prepared my stuff, and headed to the race site.

However, along the way, the rain was starting to get strong again, but it wasn’t as strong as last night. What the hell, I might as well go there anyway. Besides, I’m sure many people will still be running the race. Upon arrival at the race, I saw the 21K runners already at the coral, waiting for gun start. However, it is unfortunate to know that the 21K race will be starting 30 minutes later than the published gun time. Booboo # 1 for the organizers, people. That means, when cascaded, all those running shorter distance will be starting late as well. For 10K runners like myself, that meant we would have to start by 6AM. Darn it.

A few minutes before our gun start, the rain was starting to pitch in, and it was quite cold! I had no choice but to get into jogging place and move myself a bit. Even though the rain was slowly setting in, there were even pre-stretching demonstrations done. That’s good in itself, but come on, it’s about to rain, and we’ve already done our stretching, all that’s left for us to do is to run before the rain gets any stronger – so I guess there’s no need for pre-stretching anymore. That’s booboo # 2.

Finally, gun start. A few meters after the starting line, an outburst of rain. It’s a good thing that I wore my training shoes instead of my racing shoes – I don’t want them to get ruined. But even though the rain was pouring, it was quite soothing to the body. It had a cooling sensation, urging me to run faster than expected. I was supposed to treat this race as a long run (hence, my pace zones were set to 6:30 to 7:00 a kilometer), but since the weather proved to be in our favor somehow, I put on my game face and ran at race pace. For the first 7 kilometers I was feeling great because the rain was keeping me company. There was no sun to keep me from reaching the finish. I had fears that the total drench in my socks would cause blisters on my foot – and all to that the fact that I didn’t put on that much petroleum jelly – but what the hell, I’ll run at race pace anyway!

Along the way I caught up with one of my running friends, Marvin. I asked him if we could finish this race in under 65 minutes. Good thing he was game for it. =) We were pacing together for the most part until the return to the Kalayaan flyover to cross the finish line. Before ascending that one, I grabbed all the air I could while sipping on a cup of orange Gatorade. The end result was me running the flyover at a REALLY slow pace (i.e. 7:00 a kilometer), though I had to walk a portion of it upon reaching the highest point. After that, I resumed my race pace and caught up with Marvin again at KM9. Even though there were 8 minutes left until the 65th minute, we still ran at race pace – heck, Marvin sprinted at the last 300 meters. The end result was us finishing the 10K in 63 minutes.

After reaching the finish line, I dropped on all fours and thanked the heavens for yet another good race. No cramps for me this time around because I did my post stretching! Hehehe! =P Also, after waiting for the rain to completely stop, I got my Nikon D3000 out and broke it in with some of the takbo.ph. Some pictures to be shown later.

It was a good run. If I keep this pace up, for sure I’ll be setting a new record at the ROTARun, which is due this Sunday. Good luck to all the racers joining this event – and myself!

Here’s my review of the race:

D (direction) – start from the back of the NBC Tent, make a left upon reaching Serendra, then make another left to access the Kalayaan Flyover. After completing the descent at said flyover, make a quick left to Paseo de Roxas, then another left at Makati Avenue. Go straight until you see the street leading to the Landmark entrance. Turn left, then encircle the Glorietta 3 loop. You’ll be ending at the Landmark entrance. After that, run all the way you came from. Medium diffculty for this course, made easier by the rain. =D

R (registration) – if you’re an avid Ayala mall shopper, registration should be easy for you on this one. =)

U (uhaw) – I have no problems with this one. There was more than ample supply of water AND Gatorade. The latter helped as lot, especially on the way back to the Kalayaan flyover.

M (money) – 300 bucks gets you a race bib. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a singlet also, which could have done better on the design aspect. But if you’re one of the unfortunate who run out while registering, 300 bucks would be WAY too much to pay for.

S (safety) – no doubt about it, racing along Makati with security helping you along the way is good for runners. This has been proven several times. There have been several Makati races recently and once again, volunteers from the Makati Police are there to assist all the road racers, despite the rain.

Here’s the 10K race route…

And a split analysis.

As promised, here are some pictures.

Those who represented takbo.ph in this race. =) GO TEAM!!!

Me with the legendary Bald Runner.

It’s Vicky’s turn!

PR maniacs! L-R: Sam, Luis, Vicky, and Argo.

My running twin, Steven. Seriously, I think we look alike. =P