Finishing the
race at 02:54:02 (based on Runningmate.ph) is still an achievement for a boy
who doesn’t even have background or training in running. All the courage and excitement paid off when I
was able cross the finish line ark.
Pre-Race
Two weeks
before the Runfest, the only race I had was the Soleus Valley Trail Challenge
which is also my first time to do 15 K distance trail run. It’s quite a brave
and impulsive decision to immediately join a half-marathon well in fact experts
say that before you run a 21K distance one should have run at least three times
of 17 to 18K races. The only training I had for preparation was the trail run
and full mind setting. hahaha
Bad habit is the first thing to avoid, surely I was hit by the
lifestyle I had prior to the race. Parties, over eating, lack of sleep and no
exercise made this race not an “A”, well at least for my standard. lol
The Race
I arrived at the venue 02:30 in the morning as I still need to do my
works for the sports brand I am currently affiliated. I took my breakfast (a
cup of rice and a cut of chicken) 30 minutes prior to the race assembly, which
I will never do again. ahahhah Don’t run when your tummy is full.
I did a bit of stretching and warm up before proceeding to the start
area. All gears are set; music and my
runstatic app were all in place before the gun start.
The first two to four kilometers I guess was the toughest part of race
for me because I am still full that time and this is technically my warm up
stage. My tummy is aching it feels like I am having an appendicitis. So I really
need to drink lots of water at the first hydration station. Thankfully, this
race has lots of aid stations so I don’t worry of getting dehydrated.
Race route is from BGC to Kalayaan overpass to the business districts
of Makati. Good thing it’s not humid that time. Also, it’s still dark so I can
escape when I need to pee. I was relieved after releasing some excess water
from my body. (Now the guards at that building can arrest me… actually us… )
hahahha.
I still sleepy after the first six to eight kilometers plus the
lighting of the streets make me feel gloomy.
It took me an hour and a half on my first ten kilometer distance, worst
PR ever for 10K. But of course, the main objective is to finish the half
marathon. Many runners have already been going back to the overpass route while
I am still to finish the Makati route. On the first U turn my energy eventually
jumps up, I know I need to wake up and run fast. I kept on running and took a
small walk when I was tired, until I reached the overpass way back to BGC. I
was quite familiar with the streets of BGC as this has been my training route
since I was doing 10K distance. Running on this streets are quite easy for me
but since I’m already tired I took me another hour to finish.
The last two kilometers was actually the toughest part, psychologically
and physically speaking. Thinking that route is actually near the finish line
yet you still need to run another two kilometers in another overpass really
drove me crazy. Good thing there’s another hydration station along the way so I
can replenish.
Finally, the most rewarding and victorious part is seeing the finish
line ark. People cheering and waiting makes me feel alive. Of course, the
awarding of finisher’s medal makes it more rewarding .I didn’t get the chance
to check on the timer from the ark and I forgot to immediately stop the app on
my phone so I need to wait for official result from the organizers.
After Race
One thing I realize after the race is that the half – marathon is the “enough”
distance for me. Before when I was doing 10K, I still want to run after
reaching the finish line, but now, it feels like my body was really satisfied. Surely
I am tired but not dying. I still manage to walk from 32nd street to
Market Market and went back home safely.
My half marathon was truly remarkable and satisfying… Will I be doing
another 21K? Yes! I’m thinking of doing another two more race of this category
and eventually 32K distance and finally do a full marathon early next year.
Recognition
To Adam and Mench for coming with me at the event—Congratulations too
for finishing the 10K distance strong…
Congratulations for Takbo.ph for another successful Runfest. I’m happy
to give you my virginity on half-marathon wahahaha. And I feel blessed to meet
and be part of this community.
Of course, thanks to adidas body care for sponsoring my race… wahahaha,
‘til the next race.
+markmyname1107@blogspot.com
