Rizal Day Run

Like most of the runners who participated in this event, this formed part of the preparation for the coming marathon races (Cebu Marathon and Condura Run). It is official that I will be running my first full marathon this coming February.

Before the race

Days before this race, I was trying to prepare myself mentally knowing that this will be my longest run since I started running. Our December 26 long run of 29 Km in Batangas gave a big boost to me that I can do a 30+K long run. The night before the race, the excitement became high that I couldn’t sleep. I woke up early and forced myself to take some breakfast because I knew that it will be a long and tiring run ahead. Swthrt also prepared as she will be coming with me to give moral support. It was still dark when we arrived at Camp Aguinaldo. We met with friends who will also be running the race.

The Race

After the opening ceremony, Bald Runner fired the starting gun that sent runners to a good start. Bearing in mind that I will run this race on my own pace,

I purposely positioned myself away from fast runners that might drag me to their fast pace. I went off to a comfortable pace. I run solo until I heard a familiar voice greeting me, It was Vener (Run Unlimited).

Pictures courtesy of Brando (http://acebalasador.multiply.com/photos/album)

It was at this point that he ran with me. We had a good chat while running. He continuously encourages and motivates me to run. Vener is one of the runners whom I look up. Idol nga ng marami! I was really elated as I was paced by my idol. I told him to go on his target pace as I might be dragging him down but he opted to stay with me. He gave tips in running a marathon. As we reached the front of the grandstand, Xty ran with us on our second loop. After 1 hour and 10 minutes of running, we reached the first water station and took on our first GU. No kitkat breaks at this race. I was practicing with GU as I planned to use it on my first marathon. Upon reaching the grandstand again, Xty stayed with Swthrt while Vener and I continued our run. We had our fruit intake provided on the second water station of our third loop. It was also at our third loop that I was having walk breaks. Vener pushed me to run some more every time I asked for a walk break. I was also complaining of a sore leg muscles, stomach cramps, tiredness and he would teased me that those were all alibis, hehehe. He would tell me that we were running for more than 8Kms and that cramps never really came, hahaha. He must have known that I can do it, which was why he kept on pushing me. I felt really blessed that I had someone who encouraged me at that point. I told Vener that if only I was alone, I must have walked a longer distance than we did. We were also happy to see our wives patiently waiting for us and cheering us every time we reached the front of the grandstand. The cheers from other runners we saw along the route also helped me to keep on running. We took our second GU pack on our third loop before finally finishing the race in 03:51. Bald Runner personally issued the certificates and congratulated the finishers. Everyone have a good run. It was a great race and another fulfilling long run for me.

Congratulations BR and to the Team Bald Runner! It was a well organized race. Hope to have more of this kind of race.