Team JRunning CSM 2011 Recap

The Condura Run now known as the Condura Skyway Marathon has once again set the bar of standard for marathon races in the country during the recently concluded CSM 2011. There is no doubt that it will attain its vision of becoming a premiere marathon event in the Asia Pacific Region by 2012. To be part of this event is something to be proud of and will always be cherished. The best way to experience it to the max is to run the full 42.195K distance. This year Swthrt and I ran side by side, our second marathon together.

The early gun start of 3:30am must have added some pressure as we have to wake up very early. We arrived at the starting venue excited, tensed and with the hope of... just to finish the race (JFR). The place was already filled with 42k runners doing their stretching and warm-up run. Running groups were very obvious in their uniform singlet or tri-suit. We met up with friends who will also join the race and bid each other good luck. As the time hit 3:30am the runners were off to a good start. Swthrt and I tried to stick to our agreed pace and time goals per 10K. Running along Buendia corner Ayala was great with cheers from friends Bards,Vicky, Rene, and Vener plus the marshals along Buendia Avenue.

photos courtesy of Vener, Run Unlimited

We were doing well all the way to skyway ramp. The Skyway was a treat for runners as they can run free, without any motorist honking their horns held in road intersections. Even though I have run this route last year, it still excites me as I was running this time with Swthrt. The Skyway itself posed a great challenge to runners with its elevation going up and down at certain areas, like the EDSA portion and near the Sucat area. The thrill rose up as we shared the road with the 21K runners in some parts of the route. As expected, there were ample supplies of hydration. Only though, I don’t like the carbonated sports drink. As we continue our run along Skyway, there were cheers and encouragements from other runners we run side by side or met on the opposite direction. All is well until we reached KM30 on our way back to BHS wherein I started to feel cramps on my both calf. This started my agony, as we continued to run, the pain gets stronger. It’s Wall time! Walk breaks became longer than runs. Swthrt and I would jokingly say that we have to run and run to avoid being swept because there was a cut-off time given for runners along Skyway. Upon reaching down Buendia, loud cheers from Takbo.ph volunteers echoed and give the needed boost for the runners. Jinoe and other members also took photos of runners. It was a big help that I was able to apply liniment on my calf at their aid station. But the relief did not last long. I continued to drag Swthrt whom at this point can still run some more even with pain. The last challenge that we have to conquer was the Kalayaan flyover where the KM40 marker was located on top of it. It was at this point that I was contemplating of giving up. Lester and Cathy who caught up with us encouraged us to run. But even with the push I could not even run more than 2 meters. Walk was the only option. If not for Swthrt whom I knew was quite disappointed with our run (hope not so much with me) I would have opted to DNF. The phrase “don’t run alone” in the Team Hoyt film (i saw a few weeks before the race) really make some sense. We saw other runners in groups or partners encouraging one another to finish the race. As we make the right turn and having the finish line in view gave us a sigh of relief that it will only be a few minutes before it’s over. Again the cheers from more running groups as we approach the fine line gave the final boost for us. I tried to run but to no avail. The pain was unbearable. We cross the line in 6:03:+.

It was hard but rewarding to know that we have survived it. Though we may not got a PR, it was a humbling experience. We hope to gain wisdom from that experience and be a better runner next time.