Takbo Para Sa Kalikasan, First 10

Takbo sa Kalikasan Year 10 of radio station DZMM was the first 10K race for Swthrt. She joined the NAMRIA team who participated the fun run in support of its campaign in the preservation of the La Mesa Watershed. Our agency being under the DENR continuously support advocacy events such as this. We arrived at the Luneta Grandstand at around 5:00am. After the opening ceremony, a group consisting of ten runners, of what they call the hall of famers was released first at exactly 6:00am. These are elite runners from the national team who regularly runs this event for the past 10 years. This was the first time I joined a race with such a category. This probably was a way to highlight the race’s 10th year. Anyway, right after the fire off, the 10K regular runners were given the go signal. Swthrt was more nervous at the start of the race since this was her first 10K. The first 2.5K was a walk in the park so to speak, since Swthrt had already ran a number of 5K races. Our game plan for this one was to run with the pace comfortable for her. 1:20 would be good (8 min/K), 1:15 (7:30/K) would be cherished, and 1:10 (7:00/K) will be a time to reckon with. It was more likely the way we do it during our weekend runs at UP. I was just keeping pace with her until reaching the approach to the Buendia flyover. I just have to remind her to have a steady pace as we climbed the Buendia flyover. Swthrt was still strong at this point and we were able to reach the turn around point (5K) near Cuneta Astrodome at 34.03 minutes. At this time, I know a sub 1:15 is achievable. After taking on the flyover on the way back, Swthrt was telling me that she was already tired. I have to constantly offer her the Propel water I brought. At this point, I started to take the lead to push her keep the pace as she slows down. I also instructed her to pour water on her head during water stations to freshen her up. We reached the 5K turn around marker at 51:32 min, which means that we only have 2.5K to the finish line. I was really proud of Swthrt as she continued on. Upon reaching the flag pole at the Rizal monument, I told her that it will only be a matter of few hundred meters and we will reach the finish line. Swthrt in her first 10K, finished an unofficial time of 1:10:06.