Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan Year 11

All sundays of February was devoted to run races...hah! is that a statement to express my love for this sport...in this love month? hehehe

My husband got a chance to register us for the 10K category of "takbo para sa kalikasan" by DZMM....honestly I was surprised the registration fee is only two hundred pesos....wow! and you still get a singlet. Not bad!

But what actually surprise me was the announcement this morning that the event draw a crowd of 5000 participants...hmmmm (only? don't get me wrong- I was expecting more participants because of the cause and the cost) maybe a lot of runners prefer high paying reg fee? I dunno....I have only one data point to compare - a week ago, the superbods run draw a whooping 11300 runners which I guess average reg fee is five hundred pesos. Well maybe the superbods invested in the TVC- but DZMM has a wide coverage as well (where this event is broadcasted and advertised)....or maybe the history of a disappointing PIM last November took a toll....I don't have answers, but as far as I remember until this day- I haven't seen the result of the participants of PIM.

I attended this event and in my mind I wanted a better performance...in fact this is the first ever race that I am up so early- which resulted to an hour of waiting time before the gunstart =)
I joined the race because its cheap, its near our place, and above all the cause is close to my heart....environment, clean up of Ilog Pasig.
The conduct of the race was orderly- there were water station, enough marshalls and above all it started on time. I have no complaint! It brings me a realization that 200 pesos worth of registration fee is still possible in this booming running community. Specially if there were lots of sponsors.

But on a personal level, I can't help but be disappointed with my performance. I finished at 1:03. Sigh! I thought am gonna make a sub-60. I guess it was all my fault...I started out so fast at the first km I average 5:45 and speeding until km 2.5 but slowed down at km 3 when I had a chance to chat with Sir Amado....he was a good runner, he left me just before the flyover....I took my gatorade and alas! my bad habit of taking walk breaks even if its not necessary is back like a grim shadow of the past (hehehe)...it was just sudden no reasons, no pain, nothing it was like my legs just wanted a walk...not a brisk walk but a walk in the park. Hmph!
Well all through my run I was also trying to figure out also- where is Piolo? I thought he will run the 10K course??? but is nowhere in sight. Impossible! I could have seen him back (just like the timex run)....or did Papa P had a cold feet- because of the sub-Piolo rush? hmmm hahahaha but honestly I didn't see those who said they will run 10K like Papa P, Jake and Maricar....or did they instead run 5 or 3K???? I didn't know what happened- but this adds up to my disappointment nyahahahaha. Seeing them could have spur the spirit hahaha
The good senator Pia- always draw an inspiration....she is an epitome of a real female runner, standing tall and pretty in pink, I am hats off to her performance she consistently run a sub 6 mpk....I think she did a negative split....on our way back I tried joining her entourage but then it tires me off...another walk breaks for me. It was fun! At km 8- I started to cast a serious doubt about my running the half marathon or even trying full marathon...I suddenly feel like a real newbie, first time on a race....I don't know why I had that feeling-is it because I glanced at manila bay and it reminded me of the first news of the day about Philippines at alert level 1 for Tsunami (due to the recent earthquake that happened in Chile)???...OMG! I didn't know news like this would affect my running. At km 9- I decided to pick up myself....including my posture...I want to do at least better than 1:09, my record in this roxas blvd race course (way back last year in Milo ha!)....as I near the finish line and checking on my time....at least I did 1:03- but didn't beat my personal record...it was a good consolation.

As for my husband- he was one of those trying to covet that sub Piolo....but unfortunately he didn't check the clock so he has no idea- but he told me of his strong vibes hahaha. We didn't stay long- we didn't have photos. We saw one of his officemates- and thats all we have one group pix.

So long! See yah on the upcoming race.

My Century Tuna Superbods Run

The century superbods event is something to look forward to. The TV commercial looks great and promising...but I have mixed emotions joining the run. In fact, I was one of the late registrant....we had P100 off discount because there were no singlet for us.

Also as of last week, I was not sure if running in the 21K category is a good idea- considering two weeks back I run for the same category (condura run). What made me decide to register is that I was not expecting a PR or a good run- I was just simply thinking to do a training pace run in preparation for my first full mary...the 21K will be a good additional mileage.

I was a little surprised that the gun started 5 AM whereas the published gun start for 21k is 5:20 AM. Oh! I was so thankful that we were there at exactly 5AM (because we always have that history of getting to the starting corral just in time for the published gunstart)- otherwise, we would have missed a lot ....and might end up in the swarm of 10K runners- OMG! There were a lot of them.
I realized, this sport is something that could draw in a lot of crowd- and make all of them a star in their own right...the swarm of 10K runners were a great sight and when I approached the lawton avenue I was overwhelmed by the 5K runners from the other side of the lane....wow! this is definitely big time event....almost all runners supported it.

I was so happy with my performance- there were no pains, my walk breaks were only by the time I was taking water ....then at the heritage park even hammer gels were provided. I decided not to take gatorade on the aide station because I also brought with me a bottle.
I saw some friends along the course and familiar faces in the blogscene like Sir Amado, Sir BR, some of the Takb.ph peeps.
I run alone- no pacer, occasionally I would say my excuses and exchange brief hellos with those I run along side in the process....as usual my husband speed up and is nowhere in sight.

Sometimes when you least expected PRs happened- hubby's finished time is 2:04:25- he is getting better. My finished time is 2:17:36- a whooping 10 minutes improvement from my Condura run, 2 weeks ago- I can't believe that it is possible to improve by 10 minutes. Perhaps, because the elevation of skyway is a factor and the superbods race course have manageable hills.

I have no complaint over the conduct of the race- so I was a little confused when I saw Coach Rio's letter of apology in his blog.?...well a lot of things could have happen with 11,300+ runners- we will never know the combination of casualties.
But I would say that the very basic need of the runners were served like long tables with water and sports drink, good looking guys and gals manning the aide station hahaha, portalet in the race course, timing chip, accurate km marker, and orderly claiming of the loot bags (maybe it could have reduced the long lines-if there were several station for the distribution of goodies- but personally this is something I overlooked because as we all know there were 11,300 of us).

Here are some of my post run pix.

Good to see Randy- because we wouldn't have this souvenir shot.

With Coach Rio-He was so busy but managed to squeezed in photops with his fans.

Hubby, Me and Cristy- Randy's wifee

Me, Cristy and Randy- hubby taking the shots.

Cristy with Coach Rio-hubby peeks on the background hahaha

Roel- our officemate, Me and Randy

My precious....

Three years ago I fell inlove with running....it was like an instant medication for high FBS, Cholesterol , muscle tightness and frequent back pain etc etc.

Running has taught me a lot.

For instance I am very impatient person- running kept me grounded, and taught me to take things one at a time....slowly until my body adapts.

I also become appreciative of my strength...I didn't know that God blessed me with strong legs that will take me more distance.

I also get to know the road better by the distance my estimates of every meter becomes apparently better (even without the aide of a gps enabled watch hehehe).

I get to meet a lot of people...healthy people....enjoyin' nice place, nice race, nice long run.

I learn to understand what they say "Sport lang!" when I started joining races- you cannot push yourself too much to win a race (hmmm specially if your not one of the elite) or compare yourself to someone or try to be better with someone....you have to enjoy running that you simply won't care if you were the last finisher.

I can take my madness to running- talk to myself, talk to my God, relieve myself of anguish from the pressure of worklife.

I learned that you can add value to your time when you wake up early to do your race or your runs....I thought I'll be too tired after every run. But it made me pull in more energy so I can keep up with my growing kids.

Perhaps the runner's high, a priceless gift from running will make me forever grateful.

The unexplained happiness and fulfillment....the joy that perhaps only another runner can understand.

The list will continue....but something is definite...this relationship will continue to grow....I want more and I dream big....I want to become a marathoner. After three years, I have finally decided it should be this year that I'll be able to conquer the scary distance of 42.195km.

We Conquered Nuvali

Image via Wikipedia

Feb 14, 2010- Happy hearts day!
We celebrated it with a bang because we participated in The North Face- Thrill of the trail, Nuvali. We ran for the couples category, 11k distance.
It was such a great experience....a different theme in dating (hahaha for singles).





For more than a week hubby and I contemplated if we will billet to a nearby hotel in Nuvali or camp in the area.
We were hoping to get the kids into the picture- because Nuvali is widely advertised as a nice place for adventure and a relaxing place for family.


Sigh! during our planning period, we didn't realized that the kids are due for their pulmo check up and was alarmed in one of our celphone only last friday. We ended up not having any of those wishful thinking- the kids had a check up with their pulmo doctor yesterday....we were home late so all the plans were dismissed. Instead we leave home around 4AM today to catch up the 6AM gun start at Solenad.


Indeed, the place is beautiful. The road is haven to road runners like us.
I wish I could still experience running again in that area.
I read from TBRs blog that this will be the place for TBR dream marathon....lucky for those who made it to the first 200 registrant- good luck folks!



The trail was exciting- narrow and rolling terrain.
The river trail was superb, hala! I didn't see much running there....it slowed down everyone.
I was always catching my breath because hubby is one good trail runner, he never gets tired. His walk breaks were because of me....and I never stopped admiring his long stride....whew! I wish I could do those things. Like hopping from one rock to another.
He told me that trail running is close to his heart....not because he is a certified trail runner, but because thats what they do way back in the province (but of course they didn't know by then that there is such a sport)...they trek or run the river trail from san felipe to carolina (naga city) until their feet carry them farther to Mount Isarog. He missed those days, and it seems it was relived by the joys of our trail running.

Hubby's mind is probably busy reliving his youthful days ....while I am missing the mountains. Because it's almost a year since my last climb. Trail running to me is like a fusion of mountaineering and running.

Part of the requirement for the couples category to qualify as finisher is to cross the finish line while holding hands. So we did, and of course with a kiss hehehe....cheesy! Photos flared everywhere...hubby was so conscious about it ...then I was handed with a flower and certificate.

This race was sooooo cool and I hope theres another one next year hahaha.

~~~
Some post race pix

Condura 2010 Run for the Dolphins

This is my official first race for the year....21K-Run for the Dolphins.


I was having anxiety before the D day because five days before the race I was having a sore calf muscle. Maybe something to do with less training runs. So from Wednesday to Saturday I decided to have a rest and telling myself occasionally to let my body do the strategy....and with God's grace perhaps I will be able to do justice to my very first half marathon.


Saturday night I decided to wear my CWX tights- I know the cold breeze in the morning might cause some cramps so I think the CWX will help support the aching muscles. I don't have medical explanation yet why the nerves respond that way. So just to be sure nothing gets wrong I decided I'll wear it.



Come Sunday- D day! We woke up late. Sigh! Were really not good in this thing, we always had a hard time waking up early, we planned to wake up 3:00 AM and leave home by 3:30. Whew! So everything has to be done quickly and we were able to leave home by 4 AM. By the time we were at Mc Kinley Rd (this one is right after we took the right turn from EDSA)- all 42K runners were passing...hmmm were doomed late.


But God is good- we easily find our parking slot and then we just have to run fast to the starting corral to join other 21K runners who were already speeding off. Though, we were still able to witness the last streaks of the fireworks and then hubby and I parted ways. I ran according to my pace...I did not allow the rush of the crowd to move me ...I was pacing based on my body's will...I was not worried of anything.... even the darkness I did not fear. I was praying a lot- my worst fear is to have cramps while running. Honestly, I have not experienced this yet and I don't want to experience this while running because my memories of having leg muscle cramps way back on my pregnancy days is the most painful (more painful than delivering a child hehehe because I was on CS). I feel like dying. So to ease my mind of the negative vibes, I populate my mind with a lot of prayers, with a lot of good things happening in my life and how much running gave me...how can I not sing praises. Even the songs in my shuffle does not intervene my thoughts....it was just a background music where the beat just sync with my feet.


As I pass by the Kalayaan flyover, I did not noticed the elevation because of darkness. But the light coming from the approaching vehicle almost blind me- my visor can't shield me from the glare. The run was almost perfect that I have a continuous run until I passed by Takbo.ph and Reiner Pacific aide station and was happy to strike a pose while running. I think by that time, I was already confused if I had counted already three or four bands playing festive trance. Then the way to Buendia and the skyway was a mixture of speeding and and slowing down to baby steps on the elevation but no walk breaks...I swear...boy! it was fun running the skyway- I asked myself why did I lost to oversleeping last year (because last year I also registered for run for the whale shark).


The km markers seemed insufficient or maybe I have not noticed much- but I think nobody gets lost because there were swarms of runners...there were 1500 of us for 21K. I also enjoyed reading the inspirational notes along the way (the one that strikes me is "I found my hero and He was me" I guess this was on my way back). And as I was approaching to take my U turn - I saw the fast runners ahead of me...recognized their faces....I felt so happy that they get there already....and as I took my turns to get my badge whoa! I felt relief. Then run again....and wave to some other runners approaching the u-turn....wow everybody gets to their destination it doesn't matter what time its about scaling the distance and doing it without shortcuts.


As I passed by the portalet I feel a sudden urge to pee, but there were several runners on the line so I decided to continue running. Running down to buendia and seeing the SM Hypermart reminded me it would be a few more kms to get to the finishline-wow! Then I was back to the happiest aide station-Takbo.ph and Reiner Pacific....the peeps out there were just so cheerful. Real runners know how to cheer up and give support to fellow runners- there were bananas, water, sports drink, sprayed liniments and band that was playing really loud and festive sound, ....but the most that I cherished were the cheerful peeps saying encouraging words to the runners- their generosity was superbly appreciated. I also got a chance to see Sir Amado upclose- he was there cheerful to all the runners- he was like a father encouraging his children to believe in themselves and achieve their goal.
If I will remember the Condura run my first half marathon- this one is the sweetest....I was all alone-no pacer, almost giving up to walk breaks but then there were happy people encouraging me-whoa! it fueled me to get more kms.

Finally, I give up as I see the portalet, I give up to the urged to pee...boy! I didn't know that this is one set back in wearing tights, its difficult to take off when you wanted it immediately- took me more than 3 min. One thing I noticed that the race was indeed well thought of- guess what there were rolls of tissue paper in the portalet- it was a welcome relief for female runners. Cheers to that.



My way back to the kalayaan flyover was almost difficult, stopping for a while....means my legs felt it was good to slow down. In my mind I wanted to run more....then suddenly I become technical....maybe am feeling this because I have not followed my training plan to the letter- this is some sort of punishment....growl growl growl....then suddenly there is side stitch as I approach the flyover elevation sigh! I moved to the side and had my walk breaks. After some 10 m started to run again and bumped into one of my colleague....I decided to run the last 1 km smoothly, I don't want to push too much I want to savor every step of the last 1km -and then I witness one of the sweetest family in the running community they were spectators with banners written on it "You can do it dad!"- the kids were there cheering their father...he was ahead of me by a few meters and I saw his son run with him in a few steps....I can't help but remember my toddlers-who were probably still asleep by that time. The scene that I have witness were wonderful so savoring every step of my last 500m felt great because this is my first race for this category- they call it half marathon for a whooping 21.095kms and before I knew it....my feet feats clocked to garmin at 2:26:11 but my official time is 2:27:22. My husband was waiting on the finishline- already rested with an official clock of 2:17 (see race result here). Wow! I wish someday we could run side by side hmmmm I guess it will happen soon in Nuvali hehehe (I mean competitive that I can keep up with him, not that he waits for me hehehe).


I would like to congratulate all the runners and finishers who conquered the skyway.


But most of all my sincerest thanks to the organizers the famous running Concepcion brothers and the volunteers for their sincere dedication to make this event a happy memory to all those who dream to conquer, survive and win the race.

These are the only photos from my celphone- I wish I have a photo in action, I dunno if there were photographers who saved mine hehehe because most of them doesn't really know me.


Photo ops with fellow "uragon" hehehe Coach Rio- he is also a bicolano, were so proud of him.
I learned that he is also organizing the camsur marathon on Sept 26.
Thank you Coach for bringing home the running fever!