2012 Run United 2 Race Recap

This blog post is not to justify my dismal performance in the recently concluded Run United 2-2012 but to log my experience and learn from whatever lessons it may bring. Run Rio Trilogy of Unilab is undoubtedly one of the most awaited running events in the country today. The second leg of this series held last Sunday, June 17 was again a success with a record 5,000+ runners registered for the 21K alone. More runners were registered in the other distance categories. Swthrt and I ran the 21K hoping to bring home the second slice of the pie medal.

Having experienced the Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or simply acid reflux, this hampers my training for the RU2. There were few short runs and gym workouts prior to the race but this does not bring back the fitness level we aim for a race. Running countless 21k races, we decided to push through and be prepared for any eventualities the race may bring.

Race day
We arrived at the starting venue at the BGC at around 4:00am. With the big crowd eagerly awaiting the start of the race we luckily bumped into our running friends near the Riovana store. The runners were released on time with our group joining in the 3rd wave. Swthrt and I started on a very comfortable pace. I was trying to assess myself if I could go on with the race. Thankfully, I did not experience acid reflux. I was able to sustain a run up to the Kalayaan Flyover approach. What was bothering me was that I was already gasping for air. It was a clear sign of lack of training. Swthrt was constantly checking on my condition and I was always assuring her that I ‘m fine and will go on with the race. At the Kalayaan Flyover, I was already doing a run-walk mode keeping my walk as fast as possible. I was trying to apply the run-race walk method which was introduced to me by coach Edsel Vengco of Gold’s Gym in Libis. The difference between the two methods was in the walk part in the run-walk method or known as Galloway method, it was a short walk between runs while in the latter method you can extend the walk part by doing a race walk style and have longer time for leg muscles to rest. As we reached the 5K marker along Buendia Ave., Swthrt told me that it was a 40 min lap time. As we moved on, I was spending more time walking than running. Reaching Roxas Blvd was a relief for me as I exclaimed to Swthrt that I survived Buendia! With 11K to go, I kept on egging Swthrt to continue on her run for her to finish in sub-3hrs. I assured her that I’ll be fine and will finish the race. The running and walking along Roxas Blvd was a welcome treat although I started to feel pain in every part of my body (again because of lack of training). It was cold and windy and less pressure at crossing road intersections. The saga continued as I approached the final 2Km and the last 1Km of the race route. As I near the finish line and saw the clock nearing 3:10:00, I summoned all my remaining strength to run the last 500m to be able to beat the 3:10 clock time*. Swthrt was happy to see me at the finish line!

We immediately proceeded to the 21k finisher’s booth and to the bus pick up point for our way back to BGC. It was really a race worth joining. Race route was fully manned by marshals, long table of water and power drink with enough supply and well-planned route for all categories.

The partnership of Runrio and Unilab did it again, a very well organized race! Congratulations!

*according to Runrio Inc. there was a discrepancy in the finish line timer clock and the actual time. Official time will be release soon.