Kanina sa PBB Double Up, tinanong ni Jason si Melissa kung gusto ba daw niya ng HHWW?

As for me, it’s been years since I held hands with someone while walking.
Oh! I would still love to hold hands with someone while walking, running even.

Just to make it clear, I want that someone to be a girl.
People around me are wondering if I am gay or not. FML.

But I did finish a half-marathon pacing a girl friend. We finished at 2:40-ish.
Still, it can’t be considered a couple’s PR, because we didn’t actually crossed the finish line at the same time. I guess, I was ahead by a couple of seconds. So I guess, that can still be counted as a couple’s PR.

Err, is my term couple’s PR correct?

Come Sunday, I’ll be running at Condura. For the record, it’ll be my 4th full mary. My goal is to finish it in five hours. I think I can do it.

I have read that you’ll be running your first marathon this Sunday.
Be safe. Run strong.

Any tips?!
Bring Salonpas. The liquid liniment one. Buy the small one at the Supermarket.
I’ll bring one myself and I will offer it to any runner who feels like needing it.

Buwan na ng mga puso!
Langhap ko na ang halimuyak ng pag-ibig.

Let’s talk about love, within the context of interpersonal relationships.
I found this lecture on Academic Earth, which discusses the Triangular Theory of Love.

The three components are: intimacy, passion, and commitment. Different combinations of the three shows the type of love that may arise on the course of a relationship.

And as I do a quick evaluation of some of my girl friends… Nah! erase! erase!

Let’s talk about running.
No road races for me last January. It seems like, everybody is running. And the registration fees are getting more expensive –desu. I’ll join these road races, anyway.

My scheduled road races for this month include the Condura Run and the Century Tuna Superbods Run.

You ask, why do I run?
Because I want to.
And so I can run with you.

Alam mo ba yung masarap na feeling?!
Edi yung, maka-feeling ka!

I really miss writing here.

8:30 AM
I woke up late for the GMK sessions last Saturday morning. Next week, I’ll just try to make it up with the kids.

1:30 PM — 5 PM
I remember my sensei asking yesterday, もうブログをかきますか？
And with an Elementary 1 reply, I said, いいえ、まだです。きょうのばんブログをかきます。

I’m really having fun with my Japanese classes.
Shameless plug: Nihongo Center

I had the 39 peso, cheeseburger + egg + ham + bacon + 12oz. Mountain Dew combo as merienda during the break. Ito yung isa sa mga burger stands sa may kalye malapit sa FEU at PSBA.

Sensei mistakenly thought of dismissing us early. But we reminded her, that we still have one full hour left. And so we did some Kanji writing.

Ok, enough of the introduction.

My Urbanite Run
I had my early dinner at around 5:30PM. My favorite fastfood combo: crispy chicken fillet meal + hot fudge + burger mcdo, for only 100 pesos.

I arrived at The Fort around 7:30PM. I thought Fitness First will be open until 10PM. Too bad, they’re only up until 8PM on a week-end.

I find the Urbanite Run singlet nice and cool. I will wear it in a BodyPump class. Maybe in a Cycling class, too.

Shameless plug #2: Discover BodyPump.

There were lots of people.
I see happy people.

The Kenny Roger’s Urbanite Run is supposed to be my kilometer 275. I wasn’t able to post my stories on the past races which includes the Mizuno Infinity Run, PTAA Run, Milo Marathon, and Run for Home.

Oh! Milo Marathon is still the toughest among the races I joined in.
I survived it too. Thank you very much.

I am looking forward to next year’s Bataan Death March 102k Ultramarathon. I think, it will be the toughest.

I was not happy with my run. I felt pain in my legs. I was in the verge of having cramps too.

But I was happy seeing lots of people.
Mostly, happy people.

I even saw the girl who hooked me into running.
She was actually the reason why I run.

I run and join road races hoping that I’ll be able to run with her.

Maybe, give her a “Be safe” message as I passed by her.
“Strong finish!” is a good encouraging phrase too.
Or maybe, talk about anything under the sun (the moon and the stars too) as we run.

I did the math, I finished at 1:03 on the 10km digital clock.
I drank Powerade and water too.

I felt like waiting at the finish line.
By the law of averages, she should be arriving in 5 minutes or so.

At around 1:10, I saw her sprinting towards the finish line.
I really wanted to call her name (which doesn’t start with a D. Her name doesn’t even have a D in it).

I was able to shout “Go! Go! Go!”

Seeing her just makes the caterpillars in my stomach, metamorph into butterflies. Butterflies that pollinate the flowers. Yes, just like the flowers in heaven.

Hard-headed runner

Since I was late, one of the organizers in the corral told me not to run anymore, since 30++ minutes have gone by already, even if my bib was marked by a blue slash, a sign that I checked in. He was saying like, I am his responsibility, that I might be in danger and that I might cause traffic along Buendia on a later time.

Tsktsk. I shouldn’t have ask permission to him. Anyway, other ladies in the corral, including the emcee, I see her in Studio23, were saying that I should start running and catch up. They didn’t say though, that I should sneak out past the strict eyes of the old man.

The hard-headed me sneaked out and started running anyway.

Along 11th avenue, I saw Eduardo Buenavista on his way back with mobile cars guarding him.

Running along the Kalayaan bridge, was a bit awkward. People are staring at me like what-in-the-world?! Although, I exchanged nods and high-fives with familiar faces. I even saw my office mates. Finally they finished on a faster time than me, officially.

I caught up with some of the runners along Buendia-Ayala. But to my surprise, instead of turning back just along the fire station, the loop extended near the railways. And this time, I caught up with the last person running on his way back. The person in the mobile car accompanying the lone runner was telling me to go back and consider the some-200 meters as a give away punishment. I obeyed this time, and regretted not running the remaining 200 meters and waking up late.

I arrived at the finish line with the clock ticking at 1:50:++.

Lessons learned.
I should sleep early to wake up early.

What a long title. Anyway, for simplicity I’ll just refer it as the Auto Review Run.

I was thinking of setting a 10k personal record, but the dreaded McKinley Hill + Lawton Ave + Bayani Road + Heritage Park route may not be the best place for setting a PR. Anyway, I was just planning to maintain a 5 min/km pace all through out.

I arrived just in time, some twenty minutes more before the gun start. The National Anthem was sang by the emcees, good voices by the way. A simple prayer was also said before the race.

Well, you see, I’m really not that religious or spiritual or anything like it. But I do say a little prayer everytime before running a race. It goes something like: Dear God, keep us safe and strong. Amen.

The emcee also introduced the youngest and oldest runners, a 3 and a 91 year old. Wow! I admired the old man who was also a WWII veteran as he was one of the survivors of the Bataan Death March. He doesn’t look like his age.

Also, at the corral I saw one of my blockmates in college. It was nice to see him. He said something about going for an 11 as his running pace. That’s 11 km/hr. Ok. Let’s try that.

Gun start. My blockmate zoomed. I tried zooming also, but I was afraid of hurting my left knee again so I just ran easy. So it was some sort of a warm up until the first water station.

I gulped two cups of cold water and gradually increased my pace. I did feel comfortable with that relatively fast pace. I felt like it was around 4:50 to 5:00.

Looks like the weekly road races and gym workouts are paying off now. I felt strong and comfortable running the hills. I am also getting familiar with the route in Fort Bonifacio, which guides me in my running strategy.

I crossed the finish line at 51 minutes and um-teen seconds. Not a PR but unlike the previous 10k runs at The Fort, there was no knee problems now. That’s good! I know, I’m getting better.

After the run, while I was stretching, some gentleman approached me and asked about what kind of stretch is appropriate for his legs. Our post race stretching lead to some talks about running. It was his second run, as he and his wife did enjoy running 5k at the previous Botak run. I think, he’s strong for a sub 30 first time 5k finisher. Also, I told him that I learned those stretches and running techniques from the Team Bald Runner Running Clinic.

Run and Go Home
I took a light meal at McDonalds, chicken fillet meal + choco sundae for 75 pesos, before heading home. Yes, that’s me rewarding myself.

I slept for around 2 hours.

I was late for a team teach with my mentor at MOA. I just let it pass, there’s Tuesday anyway. Ate lunch around 12 noon. And went out again for the cycling class at FF Manila. I did promise Kiko that I’ll be joining them for the get-together after the class.

I was also surprised with myself that I did not say no on the invitation. Anyway, it was nice meeting new set of people. We ate a bunch of delicious food, watched the High na Kho! videos, shared a lot of stories, drank Lights and Absolut, and laughed out loud even on our way home.

And yes, that was me running and working out for tomorrow’s hangover.

Last Sunday, however, I woke up 4:30 in the morning.
Tsktsk. The race is supposed to start at 5:30.

And so I hurried myself.
Took a bath in 5 minutes, a PR! Hahaha!
Shoes, socks, shirt, extra shirt, all check.
Breakfast. Nada. I just drank two glasses of water.

I was thinking what made me woke up that late.
The day before:

• I went to Nihongo Center for our weekly study.
• No endorphin-producing activity either.
• Oh, we watched Angels and Demons. It was a so-so movie for me. I was really expecting more.
• We arrived home around 11pm.
• I was snoring around 1am.

Next time, sleep early.

Anyway, I still arrived on time at Market! Market! for the 10 miler.
10 miles is around 16.09 kilometers.

I still had 10 minutes left before the gun start.

The crowd was relatively small compared to the previous races. I still saw some of the familiar faces like Bald Runner (I didn’t know that it was his birthday that day. Happy birthday BR!), Jonel who still know my name and asked if I will be joining TNF100, ahh err. Not yet., Michelle who doesn’t know me but I do attend her cycling classes at The Fort, and Jay who I thanked personally for his help at the Botak run.

Fast forward.
Oops. Make that not-so-fast, not-so-slow forward.

I finished at 1:30:++.
Doing the math, I was running 5:36 per kilometer on the average
Oh! And if I am able to maintain that, I can finish a full mary in 4:09.

There were lots of water. I was drinking at every water station I passed by. Hahaha! If I can only master drinking while running, I might shave off a minute or two in my time.

The course was interesting. Though, I’m still not familiar with the names of the roads, so I really can’t tell where exactly the thrills of the run were.

I just wished there were kilometer markers around the route though, just so I can pace myself better. Oh well, if only I have a Garmin.

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!

It was just one of those days that at one moment you’re confident you’re able to do it, but after a minute or so, you’re hopeless you’re not able to do it.

The first 2.5 kilometers were fast and comfortable as I am able to pace again with Michelle, who eventually won third place for the Women’s Division. But after the first water station, I began to slow down. Arrgh! The supposed to be new PR is gone with the wind.

So I just settled for a slow comfortable pace. I don’t know the numbers as I still don’t have any watch yet. I finished the first loop in 27-something minutes, as I saw the digital clock at the finish line. Double it, I could finish the race in 54-something minutes. And so I did.

Some 300 meters before the finish line, I saw a girl friend and urge her to go for a Strong Finish! She replied by saying, Gago! Hahahaha! I think that word means Good morning in a different language.

My first run at SM Mall of Asia

Oh well! I did log a 47:57, as I passed by the digital clock at the finish line. Supposed it was short of some 200 meters, I would have logged a 4:53 pace instead of a 4:47. A 4:53 pace will lead to a 48:30 finish. In any case, it is still a personal record. Yeah!

And another note, 4:53 is two seconds shy of my 100% effort. Wow!

It was my first time to run a road race in UP Diliman. The route is familiar, as I have been studying there for almost two years now.

But I think, the UPLB route is more challenging. Wow! Just imagining the road up to Forestry gives me the thrill…

Back to my Miracle Run story.. My original plan was to stay close with Michelle, and not let her out of my sight. But I was only able to stay close with her until the fourth kilometer. Again, she took my breath away. Hahaha!

As I was slowing down, I saw Mark and Charlie passed by and I decided to pace with them. Mark said that Charlie was going for a sub-50 finish. Wow! That’s my goal too! And so for the remaining kilometers, I stayed with them. I hear Mark saying encouraging words like,

Happy thoughts. Think of happy thoughts.
Relax your shoulders. Breathe easy.
Two kilometers left. We do this many times at the ULTRA.
Kaya na ang sub-50, may sukli pa.

And so we did finish a sub-50. It was nice running with them. Mark and Charlie are joining the Bataan 102K ultramarathon this weekend. Good luck guys! Next year, I’ll find time to prepare and join you all.

It was also nice to see one of my blockmates. And because of him, I was able to have post-race pictures taken…

zettaihappy was 284

It was my first half marathon run.
A lot of firsts for me really. It was also my first (and last?!) run at the SkyWay, Buendia, and Kalayaan flyover.

Since I still don’t have a watch with me while running, my only reference for my pace is that girl who got me chicked at Botak. I saw her again, while I was on the SkyWay. We were running side by side some meters after the turn-around point but after the fire truck shower, I ate her dust again…

As for my performance, I think I can do a lot better next time. Again, it was a positive split for me. I have to build my endurance. Fatigue hit me again after the SkyWay. The Buendia and Kalayaan flyover, on my way back, was painful as my left knee started to hurt again.

Originally, I was aiming for a 1:40 finish. I was thinking, if I could only maintain a 5:00-ish pace, it could be a possibility. After the SkyWay, the 1:40 dream became a sub 1:50 hope. After the Kalayaan flyover, it became a sub-2 reality.

As I turned left towards the finish line, I saw coach Espejo and coach Salazar of Team Bald Runner. Thanks for that extra push. I’ve been missing a lot of training sessions at the ULTRA. Good thing, they still know my name.

The Condura Run is another learning experience for me.
Time to get back to a more serious training.

SkyWay High!