Running the 32k Run United 2 of the Runrio Trilogy was probably our longest distance raced before the year ends. Swthrt and I have opted to downgrade our run to 21k in the coming QCIM because of inadequate training preparations for a full marathon. I believe “a good soldier must know how to fight his battle, and win.” After finishing two marathons, I have learned pretty much and treat the distance with respect and run the race with pride and integrity. Running this 32K race will give us a clear view of our present fitness level. Though we are quite confident that we can finish the race, we wanted to know what things to be improved. This we hope will guide us in our preparation for the upcoming marathon races, among them the Condura Run 2011 which promises to be exciting and challenging race.
The preparation
Running during weekends at UPD and at our village on weekdays (if our schedules allow us) was the only preparation we had for this race. We only have at least 2 long runs of 20K with a couple of hill training sessions along the UP’s Heartbreak hill was our confidence booster. Other than that we only had 10K or 5K runs.
The race
Swthrt and I made sure that we had a good warm up and stretching before the race. To be able to do this, we arrived early at the venue at around 3:30am and were able to get a good parking space. After the warm up and stretching we proceeded at the starting line and met friends who will also be running the 32K distance category. We were able to have a short chat with wayne, nora, jonas and jonel. Though we planned this race to be sort of a long run, our secret (now revealed) target goal was 4 hours. With the race starting on time, we headed for a slow start. The first five kilometers was always the hardest part for us in every race. Though the good warm up run earlier helped, we struggled at the early stage of the run. Once we got our momentum, we picked up the pace hoping to maintain a 7 min pace. The first 10 K was timed at 1:12:44. In the next 10K we even got slower with a lap time of 1:19:20. At this point we were certain that this will be a hard and long race for us. For the last 10K, we ran it at 1:30:43 which really way below our target pace of 7min/K. For the remaining 2K, it was a run and more walk pace that gave us a finish time of 4:21:05. Though it turned out to be a harder race than we thought, we enjoyed the race (except for the aches and pains brought about by blisters, impending leg cramps and stiff toes).
As always, Runrio or Coach Rio dela Cruz did a great job in providing the needs of runners from their hydrations (long table of water and powerade) to their safety on the road. Marshalls were all over providing accurate directional instructions. We even heard some of them shouting words of encouragements to runners.
Lessons learned
Though we have heard these a lot of times in lectures/seminars in running or read it in many running magazines, we always neglect on doing core strengthening exercises that would develop our core muscles. The lower back pains we are experiencing were a proof of it. Consistency in training should always be upheld. Most of the time our training runs are concentrated on weekends. Weekday runs are an on-and-off -thing. Speed trainings should also be incorporated in the training program if you want to have a better finish time. With all these in mind, we hope to have a better training program in preparation for the coming challenges in the 2011 running year. That includes completing at least two full marathons (Condura 2011 and the 3rd QCIM).
The preparation
Running during weekends at UPD and at our village on weekdays (if our schedules allow us) was the only preparation we had for this race. We only have at least 2 long runs of 20K with a couple of hill training sessions along the UP’s Heartbreak hill was our confidence booster. Other than that we only had 10K or 5K runs.
The race
Swthrt and I made sure that we had a good warm up and stretching before the race. To be able to do this, we arrived early at the venue at around 3:30am and were able to get a good parking space. After the warm up and stretching we proceeded at the starting line and met friends who will also be running the 32K distance category. We were able to have a short chat with wayne, nora, jonas and jonel. Though we planned this race to be sort of a long run, our secret (now revealed) target goal was 4 hours. With the race starting on time, we headed for a slow start. The first five kilometers was always the hardest part for us in every race. Though the good warm up run earlier helped, we struggled at the early stage of the run. Once we got our momentum, we picked up the pace hoping to maintain a 7 min pace. The first 10 K was timed at 1:12:44. In the next 10K we even got slower with a lap time of 1:19:20. At this point we were certain that this will be a hard and long race for us. For the last 10K, we ran it at 1:30:43 which really way below our target pace of 7min/K. For the remaining 2K, it was a run and more walk pace that gave us a finish time of 4:21:05. Though it turned out to be a harder race than we thought, we enjoyed the race (except for the aches and pains brought about by blisters, impending leg cramps and stiff toes).
As always, Runrio or Coach Rio dela Cruz did a great job in providing the needs of runners from their hydrations (long table of water and powerade) to their safety on the road. Marshalls were all over providing accurate directional instructions. We even heard some of them shouting words of encouragements to runners.
Lessons learned
Though we have heard these a lot of times in lectures/seminars in running or read it in many running magazines, we always neglect on doing core strengthening exercises that would develop our core muscles. The lower back pains we are experiencing were a proof of it. Consistency in training should always be upheld. Most of the time our training runs are concentrated on weekends. Weekday runs are an on-and-off -thing. Speed trainings should also be incorporated in the training program if you want to have a better finish time. With all these in mind, we hope to have a better training program in preparation for the coming challenges in the 2011 running year. That includes completing at least two full marathons (Condura 2011 and the 3rd QCIM).
That was a nice one, but there's still the Rizal Day Run before the year ends. Maybe you want to try it again one more time.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again to you both. See you.
Sounds as though you had a real good time at this one despite the training. Best wishes and preparations in your upcoming races.
ReplyDeleteBroJ, congratulations to you and Swthrt on the 32K. It was fun and enjoyed the course. Great seeing you guys again. I'll be back in January 2012. God bless and take care. - Wayne
ReplyDeletethanks vener, yes, maybe we can still run that too!
ReplyDeletethanks kenley, every run is great when your with your love one.
thanks wayne, good your enjoying your visit here in the philippines.