Adidas King of The Road
Now that was a fine race. Let me rephrase that: it was one helluva race. This may just be rookie talk but truly for me it was the most well-organized and orderly of the mere five races I’ve joined so far. You gotta hand it to Adidas and RACE for taking care of us runners. From pre-registration (when will we ever stop talking about those red singlets?) to its start (aaaaw, did tears not well up in your eyes as you listened to the national anthem against the backdrop of a beautiful sunrise?) until its finish (or at least my own finish since I left before awarding started), I would say that almost everything was well-prepared for. The minor bumps along the road—long lines at the portalet and the wait at the baggage check-in—were exactly those: minor little flaws that I overlooked once I heard the oh so romantic and deep voice of that host!
- Err…next time, can someone please remind me not to come this early? -
So, anyway, there we were—Annie and I—impatiently waiting for the race to start as we stood just a few rows behind the starting line along with the sea of runners in red who were, needless to say, impatient as well. At exactly 6 a.m. the gun was fired and we were off. After making a right from the starting line towards Roxas Boulevard, I knew the route would be pretty simple. It would be straight, straight, straight, climb up and roll down the Buendia flyover, hit the 10k turnaround, climb up and roll down the Buendia flyeover, straight until you make a left back into the Quirino Grandstand. Soon after my brain had absorbed all that (which was just a few seconds, mind you!), Annie had skipped ahead…uhm…way ahead.
I ran at my own pace (around 75% effort if Coach B asked me) but, after a few minutes, doubts seeped into my brain if I could even keep this up. I had slept at 11:45 the night before (coming from a 10-hour road trip from Pangasinan) so I thought I could forgive myself for not breaking PR on this race. After all, I had a good excuse! Before these evil thoughts could get any further, I cleared my mind and focused on the race. Just enjoy it, I thought. If I get tired, I could always slow down. If I don’t break my PR, i’ll try again next time (although I would curse myself for weeks.) With that, I kept my pace steady, chatted with Renz, checked out the view in what was to me unfamiliar grounds, and relaxed. Surprisingly—and guys this is going to be dull and boring—but the entire run was smooth sailing for me. Why, even the Buendia flyover, which made me shudder when I saw it from afar, posed less of a challenge than I initially expected. As I climbed the hill, I could almost hear Coach B whispering “slow down, take shorter strides” and that’s exactly what I did. As always, rolling down freely with my arms outstretched was my favorite part. When I hit the 10k turnaround, I felt like I got my second wind with a sudden burst of energy pushing me further. So, off I went with the gusto of a runner who had just started a race. The last part of the 5k was quick as I remember it. I just ran, and ran, and ran and I loved it. Aaack, I so loved it! Before I knew it, it was over.
I checked the time and I was ecstatic: 56 minutes 27 seconds. I broke my PR. I shaved off a whopping 4 minutes! Wooohooo! “Yeah, I AM the Queen of the Road!” I exclaimed…to myself…silently…so no other runner would think I was crazy.
- Runners make their way to the finish -
- All queued up at the Finish Line -
- With Mars, a highschool batchmate I hadn’t seen since…uhm..highschool. See you at more races, Mars!
Before leaving, Hitme (and his macho driver) arrived bearing gifts. The best gift any runner could receive: a bundle of Runners World magazines! Truly, this man must be called “Running Santa” for his generosity, jolly disposition, and good choice of presents! Hitme, no, it’s not because of the tummy!
- Hitme’s driver delivering my stash of Runners World Magazines! Doesn’t he look like Rudolph? -
Driving home from the race, Annie texts me announcing great news: she won first place for 10k in her age group! I couldn’t be happier for the bestest running buddy one could have! I could go on and on about Annie, but I’ll save that for another post. For now, I shall reluctantly but humbly pass on my crown to Annie as the official Adidas Queen of the Road for 10k. As if I ever had the title anyway!
- With Annie, winner of her age group for 10k with a time of 47.43, and her friend Rose -
Winners of the Adidas King of The Road 21k:
Men’s Category: Eduardo Buenavista 1:07:28
Women’s Category: Jho-An Banayag 1:19:17
July 2, 2007 at 7:31 am
hi bull runner, that was a great run! congrats!
July 2, 2007 at 8:10 am
Congratz jaymie! It was generous of you though to hand over your crown to annie
and congratz to you for finishing every race better than the last! As for my running buddy, Ady and I, it was our first marathon and our first ever 21k. It was sooo funny coz we were lined up to pee at the portalet station and we heard the horn sound. We were like, “umm… tayo na ba iyon, pare?” haha so we ran with a full bladder!! hahah! But besides, the uncomfy feeling, the race was awesome! finished 1:47:something… cant wait for the next race! see yah!
July 2, 2007 at 8:48 am
sorry I ran away from you.. I was trying to beat my own record.
on next race, another 4 minutes!
congrats QOTR!
July 2, 2007 at 9:18 am
Ang saya!!! It was the first time for my brother and I and our times were nothing spectacular but HEY we had fun!
I can’t wait for the next race din! And I hope to meet you soon!
July 2, 2007 at 5:35 pm
aha! more pictures of you on my blog… fun day indeed…next on the list: run to bring hope 2007…c’mon and register na…me and my son are in already (like two months ago pa ata)
July 2, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Roadrat, thanks. Come down from the mountains for a race one of these days
Drew! Congrats too! Hahahaha! So you run your fastest not because you wanted to reach the finish but to make it back to the portalet!
Renz, go go go! No worries about leaving me behind! If it’s about beating your PR, by all means! I’m sure you beat your PR…did you? You were fast. Congrats!
Marga, congrats to you and your brother! Yes, I hope we meet soon!
Hitme, yup i’m scheduling my next race already! I’ll let you know when i decide
July 3, 2007 at 3:52 am
WOW! well, i think i owe you an apology for underestimating my pr prediction for you at 58min 3sec. you just blew that out of the water. i am impressed. galing, galing!
so it looks like you didn’t wear your qotr singlet for the race. are you still trying to put that up for auction
July 3, 2007 at 5:43 am
E-rod, I smell some interest in my singlet. If only you were my size I would’ve sold it to you with a 50% discount.
July 3, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Congratulations again! I was just surprised you did not use the singlet since you kept bragging about it.
July 3, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Hey mayi, I’ll use it in another race. Feeling rebelde ako eh. haha
July 3, 2007 at 7:18 pm
jaymie! ang galing mo! congrats! i saw you midway, and as if you have just started! it was a walk in the park with you!
and woah! andaming mags, si running santa ibang klase talaga!
July 3, 2007 at 7:30 pm
teka, te jaymie, why you aint on your singlet?
and hitme64 said you’re a new convert of the nike+? hahah! yay!
July 3, 2007 at 10:25 pm
hi bull runner, I found your site a while ago. I love your list of 2007 runs page. I was inspired by you to also begin a blog, in a style similar to your page, so thanks! I ran the KOTR 10km at the weekend also and was just emailed the results. You came in the top 20 women, of almost 200! So, many congratulations!
July 3, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Are the results for this race online anywhere?
I was too late to register and joined the Mandarin Oriental 5km run instead, also a well-organised event, with free foods from their catering afterwards. Rather dodgy timing though.
July 4, 2007 at 10:37 am
you’re tempting me, jaymie, but if you use it at another race, then i’ll have to insist on a 75% markdown…heeheehee
July 4, 2007 at 11:17 am
Banggi, I really watched out for you and your red ipod! Sayang we weren’t able to meet! Next race for sure okay?! Congrats to you too! And yes I got my entire Nike+ Kit already! I’m going to use it for the first time later tonight! So excited. I’ll surely post about it soon.
Auzinrop, thanks for dropping by. Oh my, thanks for letting me know I’m in the top 20! It was kinda difficult to count from that long list, but yeah now I know I’m #17. Sayang, sana may adidas GC hahaha.
Nick, I’ll email them to you.
E-rod, that’s fine by me hahaha! Part of the fun of selling it to you is to actually see you wearing this super tight fitting singlet. It just might squeeze out all the air from your lungs! hahaha
July 4, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Ey miss Jaymie! Congrats on the new PR! do a 10miler na!!!! or set a new 5k PR next.
July 4, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Hi Bullrunner! Congratulations on finishing with good time!
My first race _ever_ was KOTR 2005. I missed KOTR 2006, and I told myself I won’t miss 2007… but i did.
Your pics really made me envious. I was glad to chance upon your site though, at least now I can check up on the blogs and sites to keep me updated. Thanks for the list of races for 2007. Maybe I’ll bump into you (not literally, of course :D) in one of the races this year.
Happy running!
July 5, 2007 at 7:40 am
i discovered your site a day before the KOTR run. great stuff! and i have already printed out the list of races for 2007 for my guide. congrats for breaking your PR!
July 5, 2007 at 12:43 pm
what an experience! we really enjoyed it. We’re about 30 from PLANET INFINITY (a 24 hour wellness gym in QC) both staff and members.
After the race, we went to Mall Of Asia to have a pig-out brunch to celebrate our achievment. We at Planet Infinity congratulate ADIDAS for having a most organized race. We will look forward to more races from you guys. KEEP IT UP!! Great Great!!
pierre 09178347272
July 5, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Hi! Congrats on yr PR! Wow…the vest for KOTR look exactly like those in KL International Marathon - Same sponsor Adidas. Malaysia will have her KOTR on 5th August….As usual I will be taking more photos on the run.
July 5, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I have a list of the results. My dragonboat teammate emailed it to our team mailing list. If anybody’s interested in a copy just email me: makalaglagpanty at gmail dot com
July 6, 2007 at 6:14 am
wow, kailangan yatang magpa-blowout kay ate annie hehehe. congrats on breaking your PR, yey!
July 7, 2007 at 10:41 am
congratulations on that fine run. getting better and faster at every race is what we all want to do. and, hey, your fans are piling up!
July 8, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Hey Ben, I’ll think I’ll try first to set a new 10k PR. Then, try the 10 miler
Mitch, hope to “bump” into you too!
Odie, thanks for visiting. Just a warning though: the dates of the races change often. And new races pop up all the time. Check the list often.
Pierre, wow you’re a big group. That mus’tve been fun. Hope to see you!
Runwitme, looking forward to viewing your pics! Wish I could carry my cam just like you.
Marga, all i can say is: NICE email address! hahahaha
Meeya, naku grabe si Annie. Unbelievable i’m telling you. Ran with her just this weekend and it seemed like she was even faster than she was in adidas. Hindi siya napapagod!
Caloyb, yup try and try until we beat our PR!
July 10, 2007 at 6:23 pm
HI! TBR,
I saw your blog while looking for marathon sites. I’m glad to have found such an interesting and informative site for runners. I just started running over a month ago and its nice to know that there are people who are so passionate about running.
Would you be kind enough to email the KOTR race results?
oh, great write up on the Lovin my Nike+ it makes me want to get one for the next run.
Keep on running!
Armand
July 10, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Hi TBR
Thanks you very much for the KOTR race results.
For a newbie runner, well its not spectacular but hey, it was a good run for me. I can’t wait to join the up coming races.
thanks again for having a great blog- and caloyb is right, your fan mail keeps on growing
Armand
July 16, 2007 at 11:19 am
hi bullrunner, can i also request for the result? thanks in advance
July 18, 2007 at 8:20 am
hi tbr,
can you please email me the KOTR race results? thanks in advance.
love your comparison between nike+ and polar rs 200! now i’m more confused since i’ve been saving up for (a million years) for a polar rs 200.
anyway, thanks for insights on these gadgets. happy running …
July 18, 2007 at 10:35 pm
hi tbr,
just a ’stupid’ question: when does the official time stops and be counted - as soon as you enter the finish line (the one with the steel bars that separates you from other runners) or when the ushers get your barcode from your bib number (wherein you have to wait for your turn - which means additional second/s)? please enlighten me.
btw, thanks for the KOTR results.
August 5, 2007 at 7:15 pm
congtrats. yea it was a great race, my first in malaysia. i too went early hehe.