An AKTV run for Team JRunning

Swthrt and I prefers racing in BHS rather than in MOA because of accessibility. But because AKTV Run was scheduled in MOA last Sunday, running there is inevitable.

The Race
We tried to arrive early to be able to make warm up runs, just like what we did during the Goldilocks Run, but we failed. We arrived just in time when 21K runners were being called to the starting coral. We immediately proceeded and planned that we will treat the first few kilometers as our warm up run. As always, the first few kilometers were not easy for us. Soon after the second water station we began to get our rhythm and pick up our pace. I personally liked the route, but not the weather. It was a good thing the organizers adjusted the gun start earlier. The run all the way to Roxas Blvd. was no problem though the flyovers (Buendia and EDSA) really gave a great challenge, something different from the usual Kalayaan flyover route. As we make the final U turn near the Airport Road in Baclaran the sun was up and here comes the rising temperature. Blisters were also felt in the feet and arms. Swthrt even had some blisters at the back because of the shorts she wore (new and not tested for long runs). We try to maintain a constant pace and proper form. We also kept the mantra “No pressure, just run your pace”. Actually, our first 10K was 1:14:+. We enjoyed so much the Goldilocks run that we wanted to duplicate it again in this run. As we made our way back, Swthrt would run as far as she could before having the walk breaks which made me keep up with her. This was sort of a game for us. It was fun and we enjoyed it. For a while I taught we could break the 2:30 mark. We finished at 2:45:+ and a great run. We took some time to look around the activity area and went home happy with our run.

Swthrt and Anna, the Meek Runner

Some thoughts
This race may not be at par with the other Runrio races like the Unilab trilogy, but it was observed how organized it was. Comments and even negative remarks made on some forums regarding the race organization, freebies, and after race events made me think on why do runners run? Is it only for the freebies, finisher shirts and the medals? When I started running in 2008, these things were not much of a concern for runners, they were just happy to finish races or set new PRs. Blogs and other running forums were venues to share experiences and give encouragements or inspirations to other runners. This is not to depend on anyone else but to let all the runners give their thoughts on why they run.

Since registration fees are now quite expensive, the decision is still on us whether to join weekly races or not. Running can be free too! Let us not focus on the freebies or material gains but rather on the fun and physical benefits of running. Maybe we will just….keep on running!