My Condura 21K Race

The Butanding Parade

It was a clear indication that running has now become so popular as the highly anticipated Condura Race unfolds yesterday. Thousands of runners took the challenge of testing their limit in the 21K half marathon race. I heard that many of them were running this distance for the first time. I am one of them who tried for the very first time. I started running last May 2008 and have ran several 5K, 10K and 15K races and have thought that it’s about time to try the longer distances.

Swthrt, who opted not to run 5K where she was registered because of pain in the shin and I arrived at Fort Bonifacio by 5:00 am. As soon as we found a spot to park our car, I immediately proceeded to do a warm-up run which did not last long as I heard the announcement that the 21K runners are called to check-in. I was able to squeeze in some stretching inside the corral.

The gun was fired on time and the 21K runners were off. I was actually feeling strong and was quite focused on my plan for the race. I was setting a personal goal of 2:15:00 to 2:20:00 on this race. Upon reaching the Kalayaan flyover I saw Erlito, my classmates in high school, I decided to run and keep paced with him. We ran at a comfortable pace where we can have a few chat. We reached kilometer 5 in 34:41. We have maintained this pace all the way to Quirino Highway approaching the Skyway ramp. The water station at this point was also distributing Sports Beans from Candy Corner and I was able to grab a couple of bags. As we begun our approach to the Skyway ramp we already saw the escort vehicle of the lead pack on their way back. Being able to run at the Skyway was an experience to be remembered. Erlito was able to bring a camera and we had a few shots for souvenirs. We also got a photo shot from Jinoe of Takbo.ph. We continued our run and begun to saw familiar faces of runners/bloggers already on their way back. I begun to shout out their names to cheer on them and give encouragement. It was also a way of keeping myself sane on “why am I doing this?”, running 21 kilometers, hahaha. Nearing the turn around point for us was sight to behold. We were also welcomed by a shower station from the water truck stationed at the Skyway. They were also handing out sponges soaked in cold water to freshen up the runners from the heat of the sun. As we started to make our way back I picked up on my pace. Slowly I left Erlito behind as he opted to keep his pace and not to be burned out. Along Buendia Avenue, I got my second wind and continued on, I did not even notice that I already crossed the Ayala intersection. I slowed down a bit as I crossed Makati Ave to prepare for the final approach to Kalayaan flyover. Upon managing the flyover, I knew it will only be a matter of few kilometers to the finish and it will be over. As I made a turn left at Serendra I saw IAAF Level IV Coach Espejo (Team Baldrunner) cheering on and shouting last 400 meters. It was music to my ears. I also saw Coach Salazar and Gigi on the final turn to the finish line. Swthrt was cheering on in front of Honda as I make the final sprint to the finish line. My unofficial finishing time was 2:20:+. I was able to hit my goal and was very happy about it! I am beginning to love the distance. I praise and thank the Lord for this achievement. To God be the glory!

I would also like to thank all the people who have supported me, my officemates and to my church-mates who prayed for me to have the strength and a safe run. And to Swthrt who was always there for me, I love you Swthrt!

with Erlito, George( Fuerza Armada), Chito (Sundaywarrior)

with Rocelle (Running Diva), Christ and Vener(Run unlimited)

Swthrt with T2 Runners

Congratulations Ton and Patrick Concepcion for the Great Condura Run!