Yes! I finally finished a full marathon, that's why I call myself a 42km baby!
It was only last Friday that I decided to register for the full mary. I really did not care about the 500 peso late registration fee, even the almost-good-quality singlet (in which I did not wear during the race because it was sized M. I am a sized L.). My mind was set to finish the race. I am actually quite confident that I will finish it. I just wanted to know what drama, comedy, or action will happen during the run.
The Botak Paa-tibayan 42k, really was not an ideal race. From the water supply, directions, marshalls, etc., I tell you the list could go long as one kilometer or more. Just by reading the bloody comments of all the runner-bloggers out there, you might say that it was a good thing you were not able to did not join. But I do hope that the Botak people will do a lot better on their next race.
So what were the good things about the race? Two things. First, the route was very challenging. And second, I finished it.
In each and every road race that I join, my strategy is always to pace with someone. I usually have some human target in which by just looking on his or her running form and legs, I then try to run with him or her side-by-side or a few steps behind.
For the first half of the race, my target was Jay. He's familiar. I saw him once in one of the long runs with Bald Runner. Oh for sure, he did have some strategy. Whatever that is, by just running behind him, his strategy will also be mine. I think we were running a 6 to 6:30 pace.
Oh Garmin, when can I have you?!
I did not bring any watch with me during the run. So the mighty sun served as my time. Eternal Sunshine was shining along us while we ran two loops of the dreaded McKinley Hills. Going up to the Kalayaan bridge, my target slowed down so I left him just for the meantime.
The heat of the sun started to bother me while running on top of the Kalayaan bridge. Good thing the trees along Buendia, gave me the needed recovery. At this stage I saw other 42k runners going back. Wow! They're really fast, I was saying to myself. Later did I knew that they got lost along the way, that they ended up running only 32k.
I almost got lost too. Good thing I slowed down while crossing Ayala and made a right turn to Ayala extension. My legs and back are starting to feel tired at this stage. From one block to another, I chose to alternate running and walking.
Also I started to feel hungry at that time. I should have at least bought a Choco Mucho or anything edible. Somewhere along Rockwell, I bought a banana in one of the Jollijeeps there.
At this stage also, Jay was able to catch up with me. He initiated the talk and said that I am also familiar to him as I joined them in one of the long runs. He noticed that I was slowly running and told me 1:40 left. I just assumed that it was the time remaining before the 5th hour. His goal is indeed a sub-5.
The cramps
As I tried to stay behind him, again with the 6-ish pace, my left leg cried. I stopped and sat on the road. I cried, in silence, for help. Jay hurried back. He heard my silent cry, I guess.
Which leg?
Left leg. Araaaay!
Are you feeling dehydrated?
No. My legs are tired though.
You reached your limit. Just walk.
Grrr! So how many kilometers left?
10k
I'm just so thankful to Jay for giving me that needed stretch.
So I walked.
I tried to run. Arrggg! No! I can't run. My leg and back muscles were now sore.
And so I walked.
Oh no! Not again.
My right leg cried first. I cried for help. I really believe that people are naturally good. Thank you very much. Some stranger did approach me and offered to stretch my legs. As he was stretching my right leg, my left leg cried again. Arrggg! I almost sat 5 minutes on that side of the road.
Bra-ba-li-bin-tawan, Alaxan FR
Two runners saw me walking. Parang Death March daw. Then they offered me the magic pill. Thank you.
Ice Ice Baby
The Fort Striders support group also saw me walking. They offered me some ice and told me to do cold compress on my legs. Thank you.
Pang ilang marathon mo na ba ito?
First time ko po.
Ahhh. Ok. I'll give you a tip. At this stage. Try to negotiate. Say to yourself, maglalakad ako hanggang dun sa poste na yun. Tapos tatakbo ulit ako pagdating dun sa ikalawang poste na yun. It's really tempting to walk. Pero kung gusto mong makahabol ng sub-5, negotiate. Ok?!
Ok. Salamat po.
I was really listening to him while massaging my legs with the cold ice.
Second Wind
And then it happened! The Alaxan FR is indeed for Fast Relief action. I did try to negotiate, and I was able to run-walk-run after every corner of the street along Buendia. And when I reached Paseo de Roxas, I ran again 6 to 6:30-ish.
To the Finish
It was already 9:41 AM when I passed by the T2 Running's support group just before going up again the Kalayaan bridge. There was a small clock inside the van. A lot of Gatorade, ice and everything nice, I assume.
At this stage, I know I can finish the race. I maintained my 6 to 6:30-ish pace to the finish. A van passed by along the Kalayaan bridge offering bottled water to the runners. Thank you. I poured water on my head every time I felt like it.
Down the Kalayaan bridge... Market! Market!... NBC tent on sight... Right turn... I even tried to overtake one runner on the way to the finish line.
Finally! I saw the clock, 5:24++.
I think I deserved the free Gatorade they were giving out. I was surprised that one of the ladies there recognized me, as one of those who were complaining of not being able to receive a free Gatorade on finishing the previous Botak run. Hahaha! Hope to see you again next time. Yes! Be it a Botak-organized run or not.
Thank you very much!
My next goal?
Milo Marathon! Sub-4 of course!
ey congrats sa pagiging 42km babay mo!!!
dream ko parin ang running running… sana matupad… ^_^
thanks!
run mimi run! discover running!