Runrio Series – Leg 1: Goldilocks Fun Run

Race: Runrio Series Leg 1: Goldilocks Fun Run
Date: 15 May 2011
Place: Bonifacio Global City
Organizer: Runrio

Rating:

Good job:
– enough marshals
– kilometer and directional signages
– route was safe and traffic free
– attractive and high-quality shirts
– efficient race start
– ample water
– bananas at some stations
– high quality medal
– medical aid throughout the route
– giveaways and booths at the finish

Needs improvement:
– 21k race start was too late at 5:15 am considering the heat. 4 to 4:30 am would’ve been ideal
– 21k route was crowded at the start (1st turnaround)
– no Powerade at last few stations (Rizal Drive and near BHS)
– lack of sponges at some stations, other stations had sponges that were dry!
– water could’ve been colder

Being the 1st leg of the Runrio Series 2011, the Goldilocks Fun Run stood out among the clutter of local races in the country with over 8,000 runners participating. It was well-organized with the route clear of traffic and covered by marshals, ample water at stations, and medics to ensure runners’ safety. However, the organizers may have failed to take the weather into consideration. In this heat, I wish the organizers started the race earlier and came more prepared at the hydration stations. Hoping for a “cooler” race next time for all of us!

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GOTTA DO 28K

Aack! I had to do 28k this morning in preparation for Phuket Marathon on June 12. I usually look forward to my long runs, but, in this heat, I was absolutely dreading it. Thankfully, Jun and Lit agreed to run the pre-race mileage with me. We met at 4:15 AM and ran easy around BHS before the gun start. 5KM – CHECK!

ONE HOT RACE

For the race, I decided to run at training pace alone. Well, not exactly, I had my new ipod nano loaded with a thousand new songs to keep me entertained…or shall I say distracted? During the first few kilometers, I weaved through the crowd of runners completely immersed in my music. It was almost relaxing.

By 5k though, the heat started to get to me. Then, I started to panic: Why am I getting tired this early?! Then laziness set in too: This is just too hot. Why don’t I just quit before Buendia? Then, by some stroke of luck, I bumped into an acquaintance, Mike, whom I see at the strangest places (the last time was at the finish of the NYC Marathon!) We agreed to run together with no other goal than to just finish this crazy, hot, dreadful, torturous race. And that’s exactly what we did!

Nearing the finish, after we climbed Buendia flyover, Mike told me to go ahead as he suffered cramps. I plodded forward through the last 3km of the race with my music to keep me inspired again. According to my Garmin, I finished at 2:16 for 21.35km @ 6:24/km. 21K – CHECK!

NOT OVER YET

As soon as I crossed the finish line, Jun was there and he handed me a bottle of water, which was really akin to receiving food after a 100 day fast! Then, I asked him to hold my 21k medal for me so I could cover the balance of my mileage.

I ran alone back and forth through the sidewalks of Serendra on what could have been the longest 2k of my life. I waited patiently for the Garmin to beep on Km 1 and even longer for the heavenly beep of Km 2. Once that was done, it was back to the car for a well-deserved breakfast with friends. I couldn’t believe I survived it!  TOTAL OF 28K – CHECK!