Gold for Goldilocks

Tired but not wasted, that’s how we described our Golidlocks 21K run. We were never race-active for quite some time. Last Sunday’s race was my longest since Run for Home 15K, and Condura 42K (for Swthrt). The Run to Build 3K experience( a week prior to Goldilocks’) was very helpful tune-up run for us. Days before the 21K, Swthrt and I decided to treat this as our LSD run. We have to condition our mind to keep a steady pace all throughout the race. In the past, we often fall into the trap of a fast start that would render us wasted in the latter part of the race. This time, it was an enjoyable run for Team JRunning!

The Race
We arrived early at the venue to make sure that we will have enough time to warm up. When we enter the coral, we saw familiar faces of friends like Mariel, Bards, Vener and Xty, Jet, Rod. Fireworks welcomed runners celebrating Goldilocks 45th Anniversary and soon after we were off to a good start. Though it was really tempting to run fast in the early stage we managed to hold on to our projected pace. Swthrt and I constantly reminded one another of our goal which was to train ourselves to run at a constant pace as possible all throughout the race. The run around Bonifacio was good except that I found the new route having too many turns and U-turns. With the huge number of runners participating, the road seemed too narrow and runners crowded especially on U-turn points. It was already getting hotter by the time we approached the Kalayaan flyover going to Buendia Ave.. The gun start could have been earlier to spare the runners from the summer heat. I think the 5:15am start was a bit late. The Buendia leg of the race was another good run as we continue to be steady on our pace with some walk breaks. Marshals and traffic enforcers were effectively doing their jobs at every road intersection. Water was abundant in long tables positioned strategically. The return bout with the Kalayaan flyover was more challenging with the intense heat zapping every runner’s energy. With a few more kilometers, turns, u-turns and impending leg cramps going to the finish line, Swthrt and I were enjoying our run. We successfully finished our goal for the day and it was great!