2010

My apologies for not having updated my blog, but it doesn't mean that I have forgotten running either. I had a great series of run this year, starting with the BullRun, followed by the Condura Run, the Century Superbods (Runrio Trilogy Leg 1), and the Unilab Run.

That is actually quite a handful for the first quarter of 2010. One 10k and three 21k runs.

I will get back to blogging as soon as my scheduled permits me too. Hopefully before I turn 40 at the end of April or immediately after the Earth Run if will be able to run in it.

Ciao

Sharing the Joy of Running...The New Balance Power Race 2009

When I received my first running medal at the Timex Run, I had the urge to share the elation with others....meaning I want others to feel what I felt when I got hold of my first running medal. The people who first went to my mind were my two nephews Bikoy and Paolo and my running partner She'. As such, even though it was already late, I registered for the New Balance Power Run since they will be giving away finisher's medals for the 5k, 10k, and 21k category. The registration was also a birthday gift to She' who celebrated her birthday lat November 15.

There were no great expectations for this run for the whole week before, I volunteered for the Fifth Asian Youth Day which was held at the Diocese of Imus in Cavite. It was a gathering of young people from all over Asia. And, as young people come together, there will be fun, fun, and more fun; but of course with spirituality in it. And so, I was not able to run for a whole week, but I did some walking, lots of walking when I was there.

I even thought of skipping this race because I was so tired when I got back home last Saturday. But santity proved to be much stronger, as a I woke my nephew very early on Sunday morning. Unfortunately, Bikoy won't be able to run because of an aching body. And so we went, met She' at the Fort who was also alone, took a few photos at the 21k starting shoot, deposited our bags at the baggage counter, and off we went.
The 21k runners first, then the 10k runners, and it was the 5k runners turn. We squeezed our bodies to get to the front of the starting line so as not to bump with so many runners at the starting point. (A lesson from previous 5k runs) But, we only managed to go as far as 5 meters awy from the front line, not bad. At the sound of the whistle (more like a honk of cruise ship ready to sail away), off we went, and after 100 meters on the first turn, I waved goodbye to She' and Paolo and sprinted my way through several runners, until may way was clear and I was able to run at my chosen pace.

The route was quite new for me, good thing, because I thought that this will be another routine run (sorry, but I did not check the race route at the start, silly me). The race was quite refreshing from start to finished except for three young women who cheated by cutting their run and took the u-turn earlier that anybody else (at the 2km point). It's a pity that there are runners who are cheating themselves, these people don't deserve the finisher's medal that most fought so hard for.

The last turn to the finish was a s usual, a great feeling. And, after the crossing the finishline, we were welcomed by ushers giving us the finisher's medal, a New Balance sports socks, a really big Hershey's chocolate bar, and a couple of bottles needed for re hydration.

After resting for a couple of minutes, I went to the baggage depository took my camera and waited for Paolo to cross the finishline.

nice form getting to the finish line

waiting in line to get the time logged and the finisher's medal

I was so happy to see Paolo receive his first running medal. It actually encourages runners to run more and excel in what they are doing. It surely is a very rewarding after running a distance and being able to finish it.

I would just like to thank the organizers for providing inspiration to runners on all distance categories by handing our finisher's medals. When I was about to meet my nephew, I saw before me an image of two little boys very happy with their freebies and medals after finishing their race. This is the future of running in the Philippines. It is basically races like the NB Power Race which encourages up and coming and very young runners to feel the joy and beauty of running.

the image of the future of running in the Philippines

Not to be missed at the New Balance Power Race 2009 are the photos at the finish line, the freebies area, and of course my favorite personality during races....Ms. Tessa prieto-Valdes who brings color and adds life to an otherwise very tiring event.

My time according to Timex Ironman on my wrist - 26:26:09

the ritual photo at the finish line

the sea princess in all her colorful glory

For A Medal's Sake - The 2009 Timex Run

Why O Why

When I started running a little more than a year ago, I never thought that I would go far, nor even finishing my first 5k. Undoubtedly, when I finished my first 5k, the emotions were overwhelming. Then my goals got bigger, to run the 5k breaking the 25 minute barrier, that I haven't accomplished so far, but I have moved on from 5k to 10k. Imagine what I felt when I finished my first 10k at the PowerRun at the Mall of Asia early this year, it was twice the feeling I felt when I first finished my 5k.

After a few more runs, the Timex Run beckoned, and who am I to disregard the lure of a finisher's medal. I am just a mere mortal you know. And so, without any second thoughts, I registered (even if it was already late) for the Timex Run and planned on running my first half marathon. From that moment on, excitement and fear enveloped my whole being, for I have never ran a half before, much less finish it. The thought of a medal at the finish line and the dri-fit shirt in the loot bag gave a reassurance and brought my determination and confidence back. Seeing Piolo Pascual run is just an afterthought. (bwahahahahahahahahahahaha)

You see, I thought then that the only time I will be able to get a medal is when I win a race or at least win in my respective category. But I was denied those. And so, when this opportunity arrived, I decided that I will not deny myself a running medal. This one is in my hands.

The Race

Together with my nephews Bikoy (who will run his 5k) and Paolo (another 5k runner), we left our place really very early in the morning, not our usual time, since that the start of the 21k is much earlier than the others. Got a good parking slot and warmed-up a bit. Wished my nephews good luck on their run and entered the shoot of the 21k starters.

The first 5k was great for I was quite familiar with the route. After the u-turn, I was actually looking for She' who celebrated her birthday with her first 10k run at the Timex Run. But before I get to see her, what flashed before me was a sight to behold. There in front of the Department of Trade and Industry building was coach Rio and Piolo Pascual making their way through Buendia Avenue. What could I do but cheer them (though I fully know that they don't need any cheering though). Then Piolo smiled at me. That was it, it was as if it was just the start of the 21k, I was full of energy, excitement, and strength as I approached the Kalayaan-Buendia flyover on my way back to The Fort.

at the Kalayaan-Buendia flyover

At the 7k mark, I saw She' and greeted her a happy birthday on the flyover. Who else will ever have that distinction of being greeted on your birthday while running on that part of EDSA. hehehehehehehe

indeed a very happy lady on her birthday

As I maneuvered my way towards McKinley, I saw my nephews Bikoy and Paolo on their way back to finish their 5k run. They were quite enjoying the run as they were together, running a relaxed run with smiles on their faces.

Uncharted Territory

Then came the left turn to Bayani Road. This is actually an unfamiliar place for me, for this is the first time I'll be running in this part of The Fort. It turned out to be great place to run, full of trees and people cheering the runners. Then came the entrance to Heritage Park, the bikers, strollers, and badminton players who often the place stopped for a while to cheer us all. Indeed for a tired runner, that is all it takes to get his feet off the ground and raise his spirits as well. As it turned out, the run in the Heritage Park was indeed a run in the park, with very wide open space and flat roads, it gave us breathing space and were able to concentrate on our run. Though the beautiful view was an added bonus and is a good respite from the busy road outside.

When I exited the Heritage Park, I again saw two familiar faces, those were of Bro. J and his Swthrt, and after some pleasantries, went back on my feet to the finish what I have started. I learned later that they were pacing with a friend running his first half, that is after they paced with another in the 5k. Such good people. May you multiply a thousandfold.

At Last

As I approach the start/finish area, emotions started flooding in. Flashes of my first run, and all the other firsts in my short but memorable running history came flashing by. And the thought of the medal and Piolo suddenly were not part of my being. It was just me, running to reach my goal of finishing my first half marathon, which is just a few meters away. I was overwhelmed by emotions that I actually started to cry upon crossing the finishline, for I never thought that after I started running a little more than a year ago, I will be able to run my first half marathon. This is the point where I wished my cousin, Ate Nora, the Golden Girl, was there with me. For she was the one who encouraged me to go into running. Ate Nors, thank you so much!!! And you are also the reason why I continue to share the passion and love for running to others. (She is actually running at that moment at the Animo Race at the MOA, that is after months of respite from running due to wrist injury. Good to know that you're back.)



Not To Be Missed

This run is so well organized, with water stations every two kilometers, marshals in every corner and along the road cheering the runners, and of course, the kilometer marker in every kilometer which guided me with my pace, plus of course the Champion Chip which gives fast and accurate results, not to be outdone also were the people from photovendo, who were all over the place, which also forces runners to smile even when treading a very difficult road, you make us remember the joy and fun of running, thanks for the wonderful photos. This is indeed the race to beat in the coming years.

with nephews Bikoy and Paolo (and the medal too, hehehehe)

finishers all Bikoy (5k), Paolo (5k), She' (10k), and the laidback runner (21k)