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)

The 2009 Philippine International Marathon - Tales from the Run for the Pasig River

November 8, 2009 - the starting point of the Philippine International Marathon is the kilometer zero at the Rizal Park- the point where the distance from wherever in the country is measured against(ever wondered why those yellow markers on the road have kilometer numbers written on? we'll here is where it all started, the kilometer zero).

I had very high hopes for this run, for one, it was organized by abs-cbn and another is that the race director is Rudy Biscocho. I was right on that note, it was indeed a very organized run; two, that since it is a flat surface, probably I will be able to run smoothly and have a relaxed run in preparation for my half marathon on the 15th. Run smoothly i did, relaxed - check, but only until the 7.5 km mark. It was at this point (at 2.5km from the finishline) that it was pure impossible to run smoothly and relaxed, for this is the point where the 10k runners converged with the 5k pack. Since that the run was very well publicized and very well attended, there were hundreds or thousands who joined from the different schools in Metro Manila who were not actually running, they were just walking, walking along the park is a better description for it. Add to that that they occupied the whole width of the road. What we did was to crisscross between these runners/walkers (hehehehe) to pass them, and it required an intense maneuvering of sorts.

Finally on the corner of TM Kalaw, the 5k and 10k runners were again separated and that cleared our way to the finishline. It really was a welcome respite from the chaos of the last 1.5km, as the we approach the finish line in front of the Quirino Grandstand.

On the way to the finish line...............

But, all was not well, I thought chaos already left the event, but after finishing the race, I was looking for water stations but was denied because the supply was intended only for the 42k runners. Afterwhich, a welcome treat awaited the runners because there was a truck with a water tank spraying water to runners, I just stood there and had my whole body be quenched by the pouring of the water. It was indeed a very refreshing moment, especially when you are with a Kenyan who already finished his 42k run.

A cool shower after finishing the 10k...............

with the Kenyan runner

Another character who will not be missed at the finishline is the ever colorful Tessa Prieto-Valdez. Until now, I really get to wonder how she can run with all those bling attached to her body. But, she sure is a welcome sight in a place where everybody is tired and just want to get some respite.

When I reached our vehicle parked in front of Bluebay restaurant, I was surprised to see both my nephews, Bikoy and Paolo with She' taking a rest. Meaning they crossed the finishline better than their times in the adidas King of the Road two weeks back. That was indeed a proud moment for a very proud uncle and friend.

On the whole, the 2009 Philippine International Marathon - A Run for the Pasig River was a very important run - (1) my two nephew, Bikoy and Paolo improved on their respective PBs in the 5k category, (2) it was a great run for She' who is preparing for her first 10k at the Timex Run at the Fort on the 15th of November as her birthday gift to herself, (3) I had a great workout run as preparation for my first 21k run at the Timex Run also on the 15th, and (4) It was a run for a very good cause.

Before I forget, before the start of the 10k, in which the former President Fidel Ramos fired the starting gun, there was an orientation, and it was only then when I realized that the word Tagalog was derived from TAGA-ILOG. More and more giving importance to rehabilitating the Pasig River and other waterways that we have, not just as a way of protecting the environment but more importantly as a means of preserving our culture.

Next:
Timex Run.... My First 21k

Lest I Forget.....The Urbanite Run

This run is an eventful run, not just for me but all of the runners who joined in the fun. Though I was not able to get a good look at Marc and Rovilson, it was nonetheless a great run for me and my companions. It was eventful for me because it will be the first time that I will run officially at night (eh malayo pa naman ang Holloween), and that I will be running with a new friend from Vienna- Richard (Ricci).

with She' and Ricci

with She's brothers Adrian and Edward

It wasn't that tiring because it was less humid, but the fact that I haven't ran for quite sometime, made me quite exhausted, especially with the pace that Ricci and I were having. I think it is worthy to note that it was Ricci's first 5k run, but he sure can run thanks to his football (soccer) experience. We were trying to go under 25 min in the 5k. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to keep up with the pace, especially with the Mc Kinley Hill route, there was no way I will be able to go under 25. But Ricci did.

It was also an exciting run because it was the first time that I ran with the timing chip on my shoes, it was a great experience knowing that I won't have to squeeze my body to the front lines in order to get a decent start.

The results were more exciting when I found it, it was really comprehensive and quite helpful too in setting your targets.

Here is my race summary:

Even breathtaking were the race photos courtesy of photovendo.ph


Overall, the Kenny's Urbanite Run experience was worth the experience.

finishers all with Edward, She', Adrian, and Ricci