A tale of three runs. Here is my take on the running events that I’ve joined the past 2 months namely the 1st QCIM, Adidas KOTR and the recently concluded Timex Run.
1st QCIM - I was supposed to run 21k in this event with my friend Vimz. We were quite excited to join this big event but with some sort of nervousness because we weren’t training that much the past month. I was also slowly coming back from a slight injury (piriformis syndrome) and is lacking in mileage. But as mavericks, we were both confident ( and a bit crazy i guess…) that we can be ready in 3 weeks.
The first week of training went fine as we were able to attend the Nike Running clinics and did an LSD that weekend. The second week turned out not as good as we missed a couple of training days notably the weekend LSD. I jokingly asked Vimz that if we won’t be able complete following week’s training sked, could we just downgrade to a 10k run? The last week of prep came and the inevitable happened, on our last training day prior to race day, while sprinting towards the end of our intervals, she lost her footing and ended up spraining her left ankle. At that point, we were convinced that this half isn’t meant to be ran.
It’s a good thing that Nike offered free 10k registrations to their running clinic attendees so we grabbed the opportunity to sign up right away. It is Nike’s way of thanking it’s supporters even though they still weren’t able to hold The Human Race here in the country despite the clamor.
Race day came and I met up with Vima & Art together with our other running buds Aljo & Tin at Shell Emerald Ave. and altogether went to the race venue. Arrived at the area with lots of time to spare, we even have time for a quick stop at the restroom and stretch before we’re sent off. The first few kms. went fine as we were able to maintain a good pace and even ran alongside another friend, Tolits.
But somehow, nearing the 5k turn around point, we slowed down a bit as Vimz forgot to tape her left ankle and was slowly feeling the effects of the sprain she had a couple of days ago. I asked her several times during the last half of the run if she’s still ok because I don’t want her to aggravate her injury, but as the kulitrunner that she is, she refuses call it quits and instead wants to finish it no matter what. So her hubby Art & I stayed with her for the duration of the run. It was still a nice run despite experiencing a slight pain on my left knee, probably the effects of running on an uneven portion of commonwealth Ave. which is by the way, concrete. We then met up with some other friends at the parking lot for a quick chat and the usual photo sessions, and wrapped up our morning with a nice McDonald’s breakfast, again at Shell Emerald Ave.
Adidas KOTR - Was supposed to run the half on this year’s edition of this event, an anniversary 21k I might say since this is the event where I ran my very first Half Marathon last year. But since I was supposed to run 21k at QCIM, I just registered for the 10k. And as you all know, our plan to run the half marathon earlier didn’t push through. On to race day. Met up with friends Aljo, Coach Jo-ar & Vimz at the BHS parking lot. Was also supposed to meet up with Mayen, who is coming back from ITBS & her friend Vladz but since they’re running a bit late, we decided to proceed to the race area, knowing that we’ll all be seeing each other along the route since we all run at the same pace hehehe…
The starting corral was really jampacked which is usual for the KOTR, well maybe because of the nice quality singlets they giveaway for the run.;-) The gun was fired on time, and all the runners were off. The route was the same as last year, an out and back run starting at the BHS parking lot, going out Rizal drive all the way to the dreaded Kalayaan Flyover, going along Sen. Gil Puyat Ave. and turning around at the corner of Nicanor Garcia formerly Reposo.
Started the race well with Vimz and Mariel, running at around 7min/km pace. A bit slow but who cares, this is our comfort zone hehehe…At the corner of Rizal Drive on our way up Kalayaan flyover, we finally caught up with Mayen & Vladz. We were all excited to see each other since Mayen was on the “injured list” for the last couple of months. While going up the flyover, Vimz suddenly pulled away, making us eat her dust hehehe…We later on found out that her strategy was to attack the hills werein she would run hard going up and coasting along going down the inclines.
Nearing Makati Ave., I suddenly felt the urge to go on a bathroom break. Good thing there’s a gas station nearby, but I guess a lot of runners also needed to go so I ended up losing a couple of minutes. After doing no.1, I tried to pick up the pace as I was trying to catch up with my running buds. After around half a kilometer of pushing a bit hard, I found myself gasping for air, maybe because of the lack of interval sessions during training. Finally caught up again with Yen and paced with her from then on. Vimz went ahead as if she was possesed hehehe…and so did Vladz. We would do short breaks on our way back, since this was sort of a test run for Mayen to assess if her injury has fully healed. On the last kilometer we sort of caught up with Vimz, sort of because she was still a good 50meters ahead of us. And on the last corner heading towards the line, we were able pick up the pace a bit for a strong finish. Another nice run for me and my friends. Vimz having a good run after a lackluster 10k at QCIM, Mayen running pain/injury free once again, her friend Vladz doing his first 10k and Aljo, also completing his run pain free.
Saw Tanya, Jaymie with husband Miguel & Mikey after race for the usual post run pix and had breakfast again at McDonald’s McKinley Hills to cap off yet another successful edition of the Adidas KOTR.
Timex Run - This is the event most people are waiting for, especially Piolo Pascual fans because they’ll have a chance to run with him in the 10k. I’m also excited for this race because after 2 missed opportunities, I’ll be able to run the half marathon once again. My friend Vimz and I registered early for this one, knowing that finally, we’ll be able to run 21k once again. The last time we ran the half was in Globe’s Run for Home last July wherein I dnf’d together with friend Mayen who got injured on the 16th km. But with Mayen finishing KOTR pain free, we took it as a sign that she’s ready to increase her mileage & asked her to join us again for this event.
A few weeks before the race, another bad news came ( well, it’s actually good news…hehehe…). Vimz found out she was pregnant! Wooohooo!
So that means she won’t be able to join us for this run. And with the rains and busy skeds getting in the way of our training, Mayen was now a bit hesitant to do the half. I just told her that we’ll just go on with the run irregardless if we finish it or not. With the pressure building up, skeds finally allowed us to squeeze in a few “quality” training runs.
Finally, race day came and we were both excited but a bit nervous. Bars, checked. Gels, checked. Hydration kits, Checked. We’re good to go! The gun was fired and off we went! We started at the back of the pack so as not to get pressured to start out fast. Our plan was to run at a steady and comfy pace and incorporate a few walk breaks when necessary.
We went through the first 5k without any problems, and at this point, 10k runners started to show up along the route. Everybody was starting to get excited because it means that Piolo will soon show up anytime. With coach Rio pacing him, he’ll surely be running at a fast pace. People, most notably the females started screaming and chanting “I Love You Piolo!!!” which means he’s near. He then caught up with us, coach Rio by his side, with three bodyguards in tow.
The excitement died down as soon as he whizzed by us, and soon, there will be pandemonium at the finish as soon as he crosses the line. Now on with our run, while on the stretch of Buendia, we saw Joy & Raymund who’s also doing the half and the speedy couple of Mark & Tiffin doing the 10k. We finally did our first walk break during the uphill portion of the Kalayaan flyover which is a part of our plan to conserve energy.
As soon as we turned right heading towards Essensa, the runners started to thin out. This means were really behind the pack, but who’s complaining? Our goal was just to finish this run pain & injury free. Along Lawton, Bayani road and Heritage park, we did some more walk/stretching breaks and took on some bars and gels to provide the much needed energy boost. On the last few kilometers to the finish, Yen even said that she couldn’t believe that she’s still running at this point. Well, I guess the bars/gels worked or maybe it’s the endorphins finally kicking in. After a few more minutes, we were able to see a glimpse of the finish area. One more kilometer and were done, with the last ounce of energy, we then picked up the pace a few hundred kilometers before the finish. Cheering squads greeted us as soon as we crossed the line as if saying you guys finally made it, after which we were given a finisher’s medal each as a sign of our craziness hahaha…
As usual, it was another good run. I always see to it that I finish each run feeling great & happy because I guess that’s how it should be right? We then proceeded to meet up with our running buddies for some post run chat & photo ops.
The participants by the way were treated to a free viewing of the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, once again congratulations to everyone and thank you sponsors for treating us yet to another great event. Congratulations also to the PacMan!
*thanks to PhotoVimz and Photovendo for the pix













Can’t we all just be happy before, during and after each run or race? We all run for a variety of reasons, but would it possible to have a common denominator which is to be HAPPY? I guess it’s not that hard, or is it? For other people? Maybe…Well… just a thought, sayang kasi ang ENDORPHINS eh… 











was able to do my tribute run in memory of “Tita Cory” yesterday afternoon despite heavy rains. even if i ran alone, i’m sure that the
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