21k at Rexona 2010 run

Running 21K once again after having been sidelined for more than two months makes me feel a first time runner. It was not a totally zero mileage before this race but after the TBRDM, Swthrt and I were only able to run on weekends from 5K to 10k. The Robinsons Fit and Fun was our last race prior to Rexona Run. This race was another test run for us to gauge our fitness level and make possible adjustments prior to our training program for the coming 2nd QCIM.



The Race
We arrived at the MOA just a few minutes before the starting time. We have to run from the parking lot all the way to the starting line which serves as our only warm up. The race route was being shown on the wide screen and after that we heard the starting horn. Swthrt and I did our usual easy starting pace and reached the 5k marker at a very conservative 34.56 minutes.

I felt a slight pain on top of my left foot, which I previously experienced during the Fit and Fun Run but I was able to get rid of it after some adjustment on my running form. We were just so thankful that God had provided a good weather for the race. The long table for hydration (water and Powerade) were strategically placed. The course was basically flat and ideal for runners’ PR. It was after one hour and 13 minutes that we reached the 10K marker .

The next 5K was a 9:1 Galloway method. We reached the 15K marker after one hour and 52 minutes. At this point, we were quite exhausted and could not even sustain the 9:1 run- walk ratio. Leg cramps was also felt. The long straight road of Macapagal Blvd also added to the long wait of reaching the turn-around point.

I was really tired and at some point, Swthrt would drag me by keeping the pace up. With just 3K to go, I told Swthrt that she could go ahead but she opted to still run with me as she was also tired.

We crossed the finish line with a clock time of 2:44. Our chip time on the official result was 2:42:48.


After the race
The race gave us some encouragement that we can still finish a long distance race such as a half marathon without a thorough preparation. What was disheartening was to see runners whom before was our “ka-pace” but are now faster than us because of consistent training. But it somehow pushes us to train harder and better. The race result gave us a clear assessment on where to start in our training program and that is to again focus on mileage build up for endurance. And if we want to break a PR on a marathon, we really have to incorporate speed training in our program. It’s time again to lose more extra pounds. As a proof that I gained some weight again was the heel pain that I’m having right now. With all these, it was a fulfilling race for us.

As expected, the Runrio-organized race was a great race. See you on the road!