For the first time in 5 weeks, I attempted a pain-free 3k run yesterday and I am all too happy to report that it was a success!  Finaaaaallly, I can run again.  Sure, it was slow and short.  And, the entire time, I was focused on keeping my left foot from overpronating, but hey beggars can’t be choosers.  I was just ecstatic over the fact that I was running (and sweating) again!

I can attribute my recovery to one thing: acupuncture.  Last Monday’s acupuncture session brought instant relief to three weeks of stubborn shin splints. (Thanks to my good friend Kung Fu Panda for recommending it.) I actually felt strong enough to join Mizuno already but held back due to my PT’s orders.

{THE BAD}

Sure, I was an obedient little patient but that’s not to say that I didn’t feel awful, angry, and frustrated about missing the Mizuno-Rush to Infinity Run.  I tried my best not to talk, blog, nor think about it to keep negativism at bay, which to a certain extent, helped to keep me sane.

{THE NOT-SO-UGLY}

So, who in the running world hasn’t heard about the long queu that awaited runners at the finish line of the Mizuno-Rush to Infinity Run?  Certainly, it was an incident that no one expected nor hoped for—especially the race organizers.  I don’t have the right to comment since I was not there.  But, I do take my hat off to Coach Rio who handled the incident like a man.  On the same day, he apologized for the mishap and took full responsibility.  

To Coach Rio, hey I know you did your best.  You always do.  Mistakes happen and, from these accidents, lessons are learned.  I hope you continue to wow us with your well-organized and innovative races.  If there’s a Mizuno Rush to Infinity Part 3, I’m guessing it’ll be perfect!  Remember, three’s a charm!

Congratulations to my dear friend Annie who placed 2nd overall in Women’s 15k.  Her Garmin registered a time of 1:06.  I believe many of the runners there are scratching their heads thinking that she should have been 1st. But, again, I’m not one to comment since I wasn’t there. At the moment, I just can’t figure out why Annie isn’t listed in the results.  

Click here to view official race results.

The much-awaited “Mizuno Infinity Run Part 2″ is now open for registration!  It is now officially called the “Rush to Infinity Run”:

Date: June 29, Sunday

Time: 5:30 am

Place: Bonifacio High Street

Distance: 5k/ 10k/ 15k

Here are just some of the race details that one can look forward to:

1. Discounts for old runners — Runners who participated in the first Mizuno Infinity Run (upon presentation of race bib or ID) will get a discount on registration fee.  I know, I know, some of you were hoping it would be free, but this is fine by me.
2. More convenient registration — Some of us (that includes me) had difficulty registering for the last race.  Now, registration will only be at Mizuno Bonifacio High Street from 1 to 10 pm (which I think is a great idea), and…
3. Online registration — Yes, there will be online registration at Coach Rio’s site.  If it isn’t available yet, just visit every now and then.  It will definitely be up soon.  Payment will be made at Mizuno Bonifacio High Street.
4. Prizes — We don’t have to beat the elite to win prizes in this race!  March 30 Mizuno Infinity Runners get a chance to win an ipod Nano, Oakley shades, or Samsung dual sim phone in a raffle courtesy of Rush.  (I shall be chanting Oakley shades during my entire run.  Don’t you dare imitate me.)
5. Overflowing, endless supply of fluids — Uhm, they didn’t really guarantee me this, but we all pretty much know by now that race organizers will try their darndest best to ensure an ample supply of fluids at every water station lest they get chased by an angry mob of double-dehydrated runners.