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So it’s confirmed: To make up for the mishap at the Mizuno Infinity Run last March 30, Mizuno will hold another Mizuno race on June 29, Sunday, at the same venue, Bonifacio Global City to be organized by no less than our favorite race organizer, Coach Rio.

All participants in the previous Mizuno Infinity Run will be treated to a discount in registration fee. The organizer will accept new registrants but I believe priority will be given to those who joined before.

I’m looking forward to this race for the following reasons:

1. We will be definitely swimming in pools of water and sports drinks. They haven’t confirmed this, but after what happened last time, Mizuno will definitely make this top priority.
2. Singlets are different for men and women (thanks in part to Rush).   The women’s singlets are racer back…niiice! (I just hope it’s not as see-through as the previous singlet!)
3. Rewards MIGHT (read: not confirmed yet) be given to those who beat their time in the previous race. How exciting is that, eh?
4. I can probably join the 10 or 15k by this time! Crossing my fingers!

Hope to see you all there!

– With Elma Muros-Posadas and Annie –

Elma Muros-Posadas, according to Pinas, “went down in Southeast Asian Games history as the only track athlete who won in different events.” She won 15 gold medals, more than any other Filipino athlete, and is hailed as one of the country’s sports heroes.

I’ve spotted her many a times at the track, coaching her youthful team with the authority that comes from her years of experience, but I was always afraid to approach her—even just for a photo op. Today, I was introduced to her by Coach Rio and, although we didn’t chat long, I learned that this legendary athlete and so called “iron woman” is actually amiable and down-to-earth.

It was a busy, busy day as we all had to literally “run along” but I hope that, in the future, I get to sit down with her and ask for some secret training tips and just some magical speed dust for my feet.

– With Coach Jo-Ar, Elma M., Annie and Coach Rio –

On this day, over three decades ago, I was born.

And, on the same day last year, The Bull Runner too. (This was my first post ever. My how time flies!)

We’re having a double birthday celebration today by running 100km from my place to Tagaytay followed by an eat-till-you-wobble party serving Omakase’s sushi, S&R pizza, Trio’s pasta, UCC desserts with bottomless frapuccinos. Care to join?

Oh crap, Coach ordered for complete rest today. And, I never ran past 20km. And, I’m on a diet.

Party is postponed to next year.

* Happy Birthday again to my best running buddy, Annie, who celebrated her birthday yesterday! We could’ve done a double birthday celebration— 200km with double the food!

Coach Rio, the organizer of Runnex @ 25, releases his race results as fast as he runs.  The race was just this morning and the results are already out!

The results are even presented in a well-organized manner—male and female are categorized and age categories are noted—and these are all easily accessible on Coach Rio’s website.  If I’m not mistaken, this is the first race that got my name, gender, and age right.  Just goes to show how meticulous this organizer is.  Hats off to you, Coach Rio!

Click here to view results.

My official time was 30:41 with a pace of 6:08.  I was 14th in the women’s 5k category.  3rd in my age group.

Thank goodness we didn’t get lost. Hubby and I are from the “province” of the South so racing in U.P. was akin to venturing out into the wild blue yonder—or shall I say maroon?

We arrived at the Runnex assembly area at around 5:30 a.m. giving me just enough time to line up at everyone’s favorite—the portalets. Soon after, I still had a few minutes to warm up and stretch. I was feeling some discomfort below the left knee which was making me feel anxious and frustrated.

As hubby and I were checking in, Coach Jo-Ar came to explain the route and reminded me for the nth time: “Pakiramdaman mo yung tuhod mo!” Yes Coach, I was not willing to waste weeks of rehab work for one race so this was definitely going to be a training run for me—a 7k training run, in fact, so I planned on running an additional 2k after the finish.

When the gun went off, I ran easy—overly cautious about the knee. According to my Garmin, my average pace for Km 1 was 5:49 min/km. Surprisingly, I felt no pain! Perhaps a go-signal from the heavens to go a wee bit faster? I eagerly complied.

By Km 2, I was averaging 5:28 and by Km 3 I was running at 5:18. The great thing about all this was that I was not tired nor out of breath. I felt like I was on a hard training run, not a race. So, I allowed my eyes to wander enjoying the beauty of U.P., the trees that shaded us, and the runners around me.

There were a couple of times I allowed myself to race. One with a girl probably a decade younger than me. She was definitely fitter than me, probably a college varsity player in a sport other than running. I chased her down and overtook her. She ran faster and passed by me. When time came for a small uphill, I sped up and didn’t see her after that. Thanks to those deadly stair climbs!

Then there was Mr. 10k guy who appeared from nowhere and ran by my side. I tried my best to leave him behind but he wouldn’t budge. After a few minutes, I was able to outpace him…at least I think so. And I thought to myself, “Yes, he got chicked! Woohoo!” But, I do have a feeling he overtook me at some point without my knowing.

By Km 4, I slowed to 5:38 but sped up again at the last km to average 5:17. I didn’t know when this race would end! “Why was I still running at 5 km?” I thought to myself (as I’m sure other 5kers where thinking.)

I ended the race at 31.20 according to my Garmin. Whhhaaaat?! Too slow! But, then again, I wasn’t focused on my time for this race. I went straight ahead to run another loop to finish my 7k, so I want to slap myself in the face for not peeking at the race distance. My guess is that it was around 5.6 km. Anyone had a Garmin at 5k to confirm?

This was another well-organized race for me. I especially liked the clock which had separate times for 10k, 5k, and 2.2k. Runners could also view the countdown to the start of their respective races. (Now, why can’t everyone use that?) I just wish the clock was bigger and right on top of the starting line for all eyes to see. Runners were also well-hydrated with Rush and mineral water bottles being distributed.

The only negative for me was the portalet. I hope someone thinks of a better alternative soon. I dread going in there before a race, moreso after! There was no dressing area for women (no race organizer ever offered one) so while the men easily change clothes in the car looking and smelling fresh after, women like me suffer in our drenched clothing hoping that we still look great despite the sweat dripping down our faces. Oh, and yes there was the extra half kilometer at the 5k.

Before leaving, I finally met my now ex-virtual acquaintance and now real world friend, Neville Manaois of the Pinoy Ultra Marathoners. He got me all excited about the ultramarathon training program and race that they’re planning and I can only hope I’ll have half the energy that he and his team have to run those ultras. (Thanks for the token, Neville!) It was also great to chat with Mark and Tiffin of Happy Feet again. I just love seeing couples run together.

– Me with hubby, Pinoy Ultramarathoner Neville M., Mark and Tiffin –

To Jhamfrens and Eric (Passion Runner), sorry we didn’t see each other! Next race nalang. Cat of Binan and friends, great to meet you. Master Mon and Beni V., nice seeing you again!