Mizuno’s Silver Lining

Posted by bolt on Jun 9, 2009 in 15 km | 1 comment

 

350 for 15K Distance of Mizuno’s Infinity Run 2009

 

 

“Gasping for Air” – That is the first thought that comes into mind whenever I would think of this year’s Mizuno Infinity race. I have unexpectedly went beyond my comfortable pace as I was 2 minutes late and was desperately trying to position myself in the middle pack.

It didn’t also help that I have been doing overtime work for the past 4 months (read: zero training). However, things got slightly better as we descended the Kalayaan flyover on our way to the NAPOLCOM building. I was feeling refreshed, being able to establish my position, I ran at a comfortable pace.

The run was generally safe and hassle free. Law enforcement and the easily identifiable marshals did their job well in holding off the ill-tempered drivers.

I thought that I was going to DNF when I suddenly felt light-headed after we crossed Dian Street. I had to stop running and as what I always read in Sir Jovie’s blog – I listened to my body. I drank some Gatorade from my hand held bottle and took in some Sports Beans. After a minute or so, I started feeling better and decided to jog.

The high point of the race for me was when I realized that we were already at the turn-around point in Bautista Street – ha! just a few more meters from the LRT station and I would be home. =) In fact, I was really tempted to DNF and take the train home were it not for the parked car in BHS.

The idea of having ran half of the race course probably boosted my morale to push myself once more and before I realized it, I was already at the turn-around point of the 10k runners . I particularly had difficulty running through this part of the course since my “momentum” was “blocked” by the slower 10k runners/walkers.

It was at that point that I felt weak again. The feeling persisted from Paseo de Roxas until the foot of the Kalayaan flyover. I have always detested this part of the route. My knees were so weak that I had to walk/jog until we descended towards the Fort.

I regained my will to run again when I thought we would be already making the left turn to the finish line. I was surprised to find out that we still had to go straight and make a U-turn before going to the finish line. I did my best not to walk so I jogged until I reached the last 80 meters or so and sprinted.

I was able to finish at 1:39 in my watch. I was 2 minutes late so the official time should be 1:41 or so I thought – when I checked the race results, it stated that I finished at around 1:44.

 

At the Finish Line

 

This wasn’t a strong finish for me as I have just recently finished a 10-mile run at 1:41. This has me worried since it has all been downhill since my Condura half. I have already accepted the fact that I won’t be running my first full marathon with Milo. I would instead settle for another 21k run. The only problem is the 2.5 hours cut-off : at the rate I am going, I’ll probably finish 21k in 3 hours (hehehe) – a far cry from my Condura half.

 

Falling In Line

 

 

And then there it was – the silver lining (I think). The Mizuno surprise was awesome – they would be giving awards for runners who would participate in next year’s Mizuno race and have a significant improvement on their PRs!

 

Free Starbucks Beverage

The mood at last Sunday’s race was generally festive: free starbucks coffee, a giant Mizuno shoe, lots of photo-ops for various running groups including the SM runners who won a group award, Takbo.ph and the I am Ninoy Runners.

 

Getting Their Awards

 

I think races should be done this way: singlets should only be given to finishers-just like in the old days.

 

Wave Creation 9

 

The only thing that wasn’t good about this race (and I don’t think I would be the only one who would be complaining about this) is the good old fashioned “balde” system.

As I’ve said before – nobody’s perfect. I still consider this as one of the better organized races in the Metro.

More pictures found in RockEnRun’s Flickr Account for this run! Check it out here.

At the Free Starbucks Beverage Area