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

After what I have experienced with the previous race, I didn’t  have high expectations for this race. I woke up at around 4 and arrived at  Market! Market!  at around 5 am.

It was the usual race day . I wore my shoes in the parking area and did some stretching; got in the mall to use the rest room and there I was,  waiting for the 10 miler to start.

For the first time after a couple of races, this race started on time (thank God). The only other race which I could remember that started on time was the Condura 21k.

Most races should be organized like this one:

• It started on time
• Lots of road marshals (so that no one gets lost)
• Lots of cold water (and cups)
• Powerade at the finish line

I reached the finish line with a time of 1:41 (unofficial). It’s really difficult to set PRs if you don’t train-I’m just thankful that I still get the chance to run on weekends.

Congratulations to the organizer for making this such a happy running experience for me.

10 miles, 16 km, Market! Market!, Taguig, The Fort, running 10 miles, 16 km, running, Taguig, The Fort

Slept at ma house (cos I usually sleepover either at Jo’s or at Irene’s) and woke up at almost 4am (cos the alarm did not work and I was supposed to be up by 3!). Took a bath and changed in 20 mins! Texted Jo I was on her way to her house and hailed a cab. It turned out that I texted her first before her phone started to alarm. So much for being early (haha!)

Crazy Grace - 16km: Vanity early in the morning! Haha!

We got there around 0515H and people were already stretching and jogging about as warm-up. Irene was not late (yeyy! we all gettin better at bein on time!) and waited while ma officemate changed into the jersey I brought.

It was my first 16km run (not 12, not 15!) and I was so scared I would have an asthma attack, especially because I don’t run and jog during weekdays. I did not train for this, but it turned out to be okay. We made good time (almost 1 hour and 50 mins — 10-15 mins just getting lost because we did not know where to turn and some of the marshals telling us to head back when we’ve only ran around 10km!).

Ladies after the 16km run!

One wrong thing I did was to pour water on my head when I felt like I couldn’t breathe because it started to get hot even if it just rained. Irene got mad at me (eeeks!) and told me not to do it again (yes ma’am!)

The ladies and ma officemate!

Saw a schoolmate of mine and we took pictures. Great, great day! McDonald’s for breakfast (haha!) just couldn’t resist those hash browns (ugh!!)

Wit ma schoolmate!

It was something really different: it was an achievement for me. Irene kept telling me she was so proud I was able to keep up with their pacing even if I lacked training (although they sort of slowed down after 15km because I started to feel dizzy! much love!) We started to sprint near the finish line! Weehoo!

Thanks to Teddy for waiting at the finish line for us after running 5 km!

16 km, One La Salle, Taguig, The Fort, running 16 km, la salle

One Run. One Family. One La Salle.

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16 km, One La Salle 16 km, one family, One La Salle, one run