RockenRun: Hooked on Asphalt

Training or practice is an important part of any endeavor one chooses, be it in the field of sports or not.

While BOTAK has once again redeemed itself from what happened in last May’s full marathon event, I have done the opposite and have continued on my downhill course.

Since this would be my first time to run in UP, I went to UP at around 5am because I am not familiar with the place, just like Ian, the last time I have been here was when I took the UPCAT a very long time ago.

I didn’t imagine that looking for a parking spot was difficult in UP (or maybe I was too early), I was also surprised that there were a lot of one way streets inside the campus.

Anyway, after a while I was able to find a parking spot and met up with running friends Isko and Ian. Isko told me that he had just ran from Trinoma to UP.

I also saw BDM veteran Jonel (bugobugo85) and Dhenz (runningpinoy).

The race started on time and there I was trying to cope with Isko and Ian’s “slow pace”. I don’t know what happened but after less than 30 minutes, I just suddenly felt weak.

Running, for me suddenly became a Herculean task. It seems that all those sleepless nights in the office is starting to take its toll on me.

The 10 mile race course will require us to run the same route 3 times. – that is ok with me since I was enjoying the large trees that were providing shade to the runners.

The only thing though, was that at the end of every loop, you will have to pass through the starting line where the mood is quite festive – after my 2nd loop I was really considering having my first DNF  so that I could  join the fanfare.

The only thing that pushed me to finish the race (at a slow pace) was this : “sayang yung binayaran ko kung di ko tatapusin” :) – that was my mantra during the entire third loop. I even tried to sprint at the last 200 meters but alas! – di matibay ang paa ko!

I finished my first UP race at 1:46.

Isko, Ian Alacar (Botak Race Director), The Roadmarker and SeaBiskwit

BR, TheRoadmarker and Iskozenegger

Finally

Iskozenegger

SeaBiskwit

Iskozenegger and running cousins Cesar (another BDM veteran) and Seabiskwit

Ian and Isko loading up after the race

Mmm ... sarap!

16 km, Botak, running 16 km, Botak, running

Running is addictive … once you start, you just want to keep on increasing your dose. I remembered running my first race which was a 10k during last year’s VSO held at the fort.  After a few 10ks I ran my 1^st 15k during Asian Hospital’s Run New and then my 1^st half-marathon which was the Condura Race.

I was actually planning back then on making Botak my first full marathon. Lucky for me, I had so many deadlines at work that I had to forego of that plan and instead registered for the half-marathon.  Had I been stubborn and pushed through with it, last Sunday’s run would have been a very painful memory.

Me and my friend Ian weren’t expecting PRs for this race as I didn’t have enough time to train (my weekly mileage went  down from 38 to 0 after pacing for our friend Isko in BDM 102) and Ian is under the weather. So, we decided to aim for a finish somewhere between 2:15 and 2:30.

We were able to finish it with 2:29:29 on my watch.

Observations :

• There was a water truck in the Kalayaan flyover.  Sweet!
• Excellent singlets. I don’t  wear singlets anymore but I have to make an exception in this case.
• Lots of Gatorade at the finish line.
• There was also an awesome band at the finish line.
• The race started late.  It started at 6:00 am. Starting a 21k race during the summer months in the Philippines is not cool (literally).
• There were not enough water cups in the aid stations ; luckily I brought a disposable hand-held water bottle with me which I conveniently refilled whenever I reach an aid station.
• Since this race involves a lot of “turn-arounds”; they should have added road marshals as I was almost side-swiped by a passenger jeep along Kalayaan Avenue on our way to Rockwell.

I know that It is  difficult  to  organize a full marathon so I won’t make a big deal about the inconveniences  I experienced in the half-marathon race, instead I would like to encourage Botak to improve their  service  for their next long distance race.

I hope that next time, no one gets lost

21 km, Botak, running, Taguig, The Fort 21 km, Botak, nbc tent, Paatibayan, running, The Fort

After almost half a year and four months of no physical activity due to my foot injury, I’m back.

At some point, my foot did start to hurt but whenever I asked myself the question: do I stop? The answer has to be NO.

I’m gonna have to update this entry again later, but I thought it would be fun to post some of the other things I enjoyed after the race…

Find out how Kuya Eugene and Kuya Ian (being a bit “under the weather”
cos of flu) finished their half marathon. Har de har har

Music definitely played a large part in making me a bit more relaxed while I waited for them at the finish line! One of the hosts was right…it’s like Woodstock in a race event. I can’t remember who the musicians were but they definitely kicked ass playing their instruments! Definitely loved the one below. Kudos!

10 km, Botak, Taguig, The Fort 10 km, Botak, Paabilisan, running, Taguig, The Fort