I registered for Run United and Run BGC even before I left for New York. I missed Run United because I didn’t wake up (blame it on the jetlag!) Fortunately, I managed to show up at the Run BGC assembly area last November 28 wondering if I would even survive a 10k run.
SLEEPY START
Together with the hubby and Mariel (The Solemates) we stood at the starting line among the sea of noisy, giddy runners. We stood near the end of the line chatting about the “relax mode” that we all fell into after New York. Had hubby and Mariel turned their backs on me, I would’ve made a run for the car and crawled into a backseat for a couple more hours of sleep. But, before I could make an attempt, the race started.
– with hubby and Mariel (The Solemates) –
PERFECT RACE
The race was very well organized as Coach Rio has definitely mastered the basic template to a perfect race. For each event, he adds unique features to make each one different from the other. Each time, it just keeps getting better and better.
Run BGC was definitely one of those perfect races. There was nothing to rant about from beginning to end, especially since BGC ended it by giving away a Chevrolet Cruze as the grand prize in a raffle!
So, here I was. Grunting and snorting my way through a rough and tough 10k. My injury was well behaved. I had slept well the night before. And, I was running at a pretty good clip. But, I just didn’t find my rhythm all throughout the run. I felt heavy (uhm, I really am with 4 more lbs. of post-vacation fat hanging on my hips and thighs), I was sleepy, and I simply wasn’t in the mood to race.
To make matters worse, there were three guys on three separate occasions who raced me. Each one would run by my side and go head-to-head with me. I wanted to look them in the eye and say “No, thank you. I am not racing against you today.” But, my inner bull would stop me from doing so. In fact, my legs would speed up on their own and attempt to leave them behind. The result: even more panting and grunting from this runner who shouldn’t have been running at all.
THE END
I crossed the finish line at 57 minutes (thanks to those 3 guys!) feeling so exhausted I thought I had just finished 42k. But, it felt great. I loved being drenched in sweat again. I loved the competition. And, I felt like it had ignited the fire in me to get back on track again.
It was a great way to end such a sucky race start. Although, may I say, it could’ve been way better had I won the keys to that Chevrolet…
– See that guy with the bag and race bib? He’s the lucky winner who won MY Chevrolet Cruze –
They said it was the coldest New York Marathon in 20 years. I couldn’t agree more as I stood at the foot of the Verazanno-Narrows bridge dressed in a lowly black garbage bag shivering like a wet kitten. My lips were dry, my skin had goosebumps all over, and my legs were as heavy as ice blocks. But, with my husband and a thousand other giddy runners—27% of whom were running their first marathon—I felt like this bridge was the center of the world. At this moment, time stood still and nothing mattered more than making this dream of mine come true. As we made our way to the starting line, I told the hubby “Now it’s finally hitting me. We’re really doing this!”
– The first and only video I took during the race. I still get goosebumps every time I watch it –
RACE OR RELAX?
Months ago, I asked Leica Carpo, who ran NYC Marathon last year and qualified for Boston in the same race, how she managed to run fast in a race that’s best known for being, well, fun. Her reply surprised me. She said she did both.
Could I possibly do the same? Run at race pace while enjoying the sights, sounds, and spectators of the biggest marathon in the world?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Running on the Verazzano bridge with Frank Sinatra singing “New York New York” in the background and the forceful wind propelling us on was an experience I cannot even put into words. I wasn’t sure what touched me the most: the breathtaking view of the city on both sides, the presence of such a large pool of runners around me, or the idea that I had finally gotten what I had wished so long for. It was probably all of the above.
By the time we rolled down the bridge, the cold had completely dissipated from my body. I felt warm enough to remove my long-sleeved top and gloves (but I didn’t) and, more importantly, to pick up my pace.
For the first 20k—except for a toilet break at Km 9 which felt like forever due to a line—I successfully ran at my goal pace of 5:45. I looked at my lap time bracelet and I was behind by around 2 to 3 minutes, which I instantly blamed on the toilet break. Nice. Still, I was doing well and I was enjoying every minute. Much like Leica, I managed to enjoy the non-stop, full-blast cheering from the crowd even as I focused on my performance.
– Pure joy –
– And I thought things couldn’t get better. Check out my “pacers” –
THE SPIRIT OF THE NEW YORK MARATHON
How could one not be moved by the cheering from the crowd? This was, after all, the spirt of the New York Marathon.
2.6 million New Yorkers had stepped out of their homes that day and filled every empty space there was on the street to provide drinks, food, petroleum jelly, tissue, and last but not the least, cheer, for all of us runners. And, when I say, “cheer” I mean non-stop yelling, screaming, entertainment, and one-liner morale-boosting phrases from spectators. Strangers would yell: “You’re doing great!,” “Way to go!,” or “Looking good!” For runners who wrote their names on their shirts, positive support would even be personalized.
As we ran through each burrough of New York, crowd support would be unique expressing the culture and personality of its residents. As I ran past a church, a choir had come out to sing. Rabbis were giving high fives. Mexican kids handing out drinks. Black guys pulled out their speakers and played Neo’s The Dream. There was a Filipino family that waved the Philippine flag proudly (which I later on learned was the brother of Jun of The Solemates, hah!) Everywhere we went, there was entertainment of every kind.
Even fellow runners added to the colors of the race, I spotted Superman on the ferry and The Blues Brothers in our corral. Runners came in their group uniforms, wore notes on their backs proudly showing for whom they were dedicating their run for, or wore funny wigs and outfits. I ran alongside marathon mommies, sturdy senior runners, and foreign runners who, just like me, believed that flying a thousand miles and spending all this money to run 26.2 miles on a foreign road was worth every penny.
THE WIND CHANGES
When I hit 21k, I suddenly felt drained of all energy. This was a big surprise (and a frightening one at that) because, based on past marathon experiences, I usually tire out at around Km 30. This was way too early. I was just half way through the race! Even worse, goal pace for 2nd half was a faster 5:35/km (as ordered via email by my coach friend Alvin) and, at Km 21, my pace had suddenly slowed to 6:59. Not good.
I pretty much had an idea I wouldn’t hit my ambitious sub-4 target. So, I downgraded to realistic 4:30. Yeah, I could definitely do a 4:30.
I ran at a slower, steady pace and decided to enjoy the crowd support more. I even made a conscious effort to smile more and draw energy from the people around me. Perhaps this would provide me with my much needed second wind? Not.
Things got a bit worse. Suddenly, my inner thighs went numb. My hips felt frozen stiff. It wasn’t cramps and it wasn’t painful. But, it required extra effort from me for each and every step. Aaack! So much for the idea of running faster in the cold. This was definitely a myth when it came to my legs.
QUEENSBORO BRIDGE
I had worried about Queensboro bridge the day I listened to Bobby Flay announce at the expo that this was his greatest fear. He said it was a dark and lonely ascent, no spectators around and little runners around, and it broke him.
When I got to the bridge, it was not as daunting as I had envisioned it to be. The tunnels and bridges of HK Marathon were far more terrifying. The Queensboro bridge was a long uphill, but not very different from the challenging hill near IS in Bonifacio Global City. I thought I would have to walk this, but I focused and forced myself to climb slowly but surely.
All of us runners climbed this in silence and with full concentration, but we all cheered when, as we successfully started the descent, a fellow runner yelled “It’s all downhill from here guys! We did it!”
By the way, this was the bridge where my idol (and I’m sure yours too) Haile Gebresselasie dropped out of the race. Sob sob.
FIRST AVENUE FUN
Despite my worries, I was enjoying every minute. It would’ve been a grave sin to complain, get angry, or even show frustration amidst a crowd of such positive and supportive spectators! I continued to run slow and steady. And, I was doing fine, thank you.
Soon, we made our way to First Avenue. What greeted us was a scene straight out of a Pacquiao knock out celebration. There was a thick crowd of spectators from start to finish. They held banners, flags, food, drinks, and everything else they thought we would need (I got a bar, bananas, and tissue). They made each one of us—all 45,000 of us runners!—feel like we were winners.
Ironically, it was at First Avenue when I bumped into my worst enemy: ITBS. My ITB problem, which had remained dormant for about a year now, started rearing its ugly head. There was no sharp, sudden pain, but with every step, I could feel him threatening to lock up my knee again, just like the way it did at Km 19 in Singapore Half Marathon 2008.
– Pure pain –
SLOW TO THE FINISH
The last 7 km felt like the slowest race I had ever run, if I ran at all! Every single time I attempted to run, I would feel slight pain on my outer left knee due to the ITB pulling on it. I walked briskly instead and watched time tic away. Everyone was running past me. Gone was my 4:30 finish. I would be lucky to finish sub-5 at this rate, I thought.
As we entered Central Park, I was enamored with its beauty, but all I could think of was the finish line. Everything was a blur when I crossed the finish line at 4 hours 57 minutes. Behind me, a female runner was crying with joy. Ahead of me, runners were hugging.
4:57. This was the slowest, hardest, longest, and coldest marathon of my life. Such a slow time for a marathon I had worked so hard for. I changed my diet, ramped up mileage, and spent a considerable amount of money to run this. And all I got was this time.
All I got was THIS time.
ALL I got was THE time of my life.
– Still smiling –
CONQUERING THE DREAM
I got my medal. Smiled for my post-race photo. Picked up my kit. Trudged along with the rest of the runners in the horrifyingly slow post-marathon walk off to the exit. Thankfully, I bumped into a fellow Pinoy runner, Mike, who was welcome company at such a momentous occasion.
I was exhausted. I was cold. And, I failed in my attempt. But, I didn’t feel an ounce of disappointment. I felt blessed to have experienced such a celebration of running and the human spirit. I felt proud for conquering my dream. I truly felt like a winner!
Let me start my NYC Marathon story with this: how we got to the starting line.
For first-time New York visitors like us, getting to the race start was as big an adventure as the race itself. Our race (third wave) would start at 10:40 a.m. at Verrazano bridge, but we had to be at the South Ferry Terminal by 7:30 a.m. Our lovely boutique hotel, Park 79, was conveniently located 500 meters from the finish line (Thanks Harry Tan for the great recommendation!), but we expected 45 minutes travel time by subway and added 15 minutes for possible mishaps along the way (i.e., taking the wrong train).
Hubby and I left our hotel at 6:30 a.m. with the kids sleeping soundly and under the care of his cousin. As soon as we stepped out of the lobby, we walked as quickly as we could toward 72nd and Broadway. I believe the speed of our steps had more to do with battling the morning chill rather than worrying about our tardiness. Boy was it cold! I was freezing even with the following layers for my top: (1) tank top, (2) dri-fit shirt, (3) long sleeved shirt, (4) long sleeved throwaway fleece shirt, and (5) jacket. Thanks to Jane-Jane who gave me a pair of throwaway sweatpants at the very last minute when I decided to wear shorts instead. If it hadn’t been for those pants, my legs would’ve been as hard as plywood before the race started.
SUBWAY CONFUSION
It would’ve been a simple ride to the South Ferry terminal, but with construction on the subway announced the night before, even hubby’s NY-based cousin wasn’t sure about the trains we should take. He provided us with a new set of directions (aka kodigo) and hubby and I carried one set each, just to be sure!
As it turned out, even one of the trains we were to take was closed. While hubby and I hopped off one train to get on another, a fellow runner stuck his head out from the train and yelled “The express train is closed. Come back in here.” Phew.
Later on, there were more than a handful of us, along with the friendly runner, who would hop in and out of trains in confusion with which train to take. Luckily, we all made it to Chamber St. where we all boarded a free shuttle to the South Ferry. With the long line of runners at the station, we knew we were on the right track.
ALL ABOARD
We arrived at the South Ferry Terminal even before 8 a.m. The entire place was filled with runners and we all made our way to board the free ferry ride to Staten Island.
The ride was smooth and enjoyable, relaxing even. While others stood on the deck to enjoy the view, hubby and I sat on the floor inside to keep warm and rest. We completely forgot to check out the Statue of Liberty though!
STATEN ISLAND
We arrived at the terminal to find open shops and delis selling bagels, bananas, coffee, and other meals for runners. I even got to buy batteries and candies and took a bathroom break.
We then headed out to take another bus ride to the start villages. During the brief bus ride, hubby and I ate our baon bagel and bananas. No way was I going to risk getting hungry during the race!
The bus stopped at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island where all start villages—blue, orange, and green—were located. Without the shelter of a ferry or bus, hubby and I silently made our way to the blue start village in the chilling cold, much like devout followers on a procession, along with all the other runners around us.
We arrived at the blue start village to find a party-like atmosphere with runners gathered in circles laughing or seemingly enjoying a picnic, others hamming it up for the cam, while others were busy getting there last minute preparations done. It felt like we were in Woodstock sans the music!
Hubby and I busied ourselves trying to wear our garbage bags, which truly worked wonders in keeping us warm. We visited the port-a-potties more than 4x each—aack, that was probably due to the cold, too! And, I deposited my camera and post-race clothing at the UPS truck, which housed 1,000 bags per truck (so efficient!). Before we knew it, we were being called to the corral.
BLUE CORRAL
It was in the corral area that runners began to discard their throwaway clothing since clothes discarded on the bridge would not be recycled. I decided to do the same. As soon as I removed my jacket and pants, I froze. I couldn’t keep my teeth from chattering and my nose running. It was good that we were walking already since any kind of movement helped to keep me warm.
It was nice to bump into Pinoy runners, Leah Caringal, Noel and company, as we made our way to the starting line. Imagine, what were the chances of bumping into friends among 45,000 other runners?! After a quick chat, we had to part ways as even the way to the starting line was very well organized. This was split up into specific numbers of runners so that there would be no pushing and shoving.
Soon, we found ourselves walking past the toll booths and standing at the Verrazano bridge. That’s when it finally hit me: I was actually going to run the NYC Marathon! Before all this, everything seemed like a blur. In a few more minutes, it was going to be a reality…
NEXT POST: PART 2: NYC MARATHON – RUNNING MY DREAM RACE
THUMBS UP:
– simple but challenging route
– ample water and Pocari Sweat stations
– enough marshals
– adequate directional signs and kilometer markers
– loot bag with bananas, Pocari Sweat, plus free Goody ponytail holders (like FS Run)
BETTER JOB NEXT TIME:
– sudden gun start for 21k (even the host didn’t know the 21k race had started!)
– no lights at the dirt road during the 1st kilometer
– short 21k
This was a small and simple race. For the runner who wanted a safe and enjoyable race without expecting much fanfare, this race delivered.
– Race awarding –
——————————————
MAKE OR BREAK RACE
This was a big day for me. It was to be my last and longest run before New York Marathon. And, just to make sure that I was on track for my goal, I decided to join The Fort Striders run at Fort for a 21k time trial. Let’s just say this is something I felt I had to do to either 1) Build my confidence for my dream race, or 2) Make me the most anxious runner in all of New York City if I went below my own expectations.
My goal was a sub-2 hour 21k. My personal record for a 21km was at Cebu Marathon last January when I clocked in at 2 hours and 1 minute. Ouch.
My good friend Alvin offered to pace me for this run. I looked forward to having him push me to run faster. But, at the same time, it made me 10x more nervous.
AND THE RACE BEGINS…
When the gun was fired, Alvin and I walked towards the starting line as the 21k runners charged away. Talk about relaxed mode. I thought we were both trying to delay what was to be a very exhausting and challenging 2 hours ahead.
The route took us towards the I.S. and British School area, our regular tempo route with Alvin. Much to our surprise, it was exactly the same course we had run in numerous times in the past. Woohoo! This race was ours, well, at least for the first 5k!
THE PINK RUNNER
As we entered Lawton, we spotted a female runner in pink ahead of us. I’ve seen her in past races so I knew how strong she was.
Alvin and I continued to run a steady pace and, by chance, we overtook her. She was on my right side as I ran past her. Faster than I was able to say “What-the-hell?!” I found her on my left overtaking me! After a few minutes, we overtook her again. And, as expected, she forged ahead leaving us a few meters behind.
I whispered to Alvin “She is very competitive.” Later on, I added “We’re very much alike!”
I SEE PINK ALL THE WAY UNTIL THE END
For the rest of the race—from Heritage Park climbing up towards Bayani Ave. where pink runner’s pacer guided her all the way until the finish line—we stayed safely behind pink runner.
It was pretty obvious to me at that time that Alvin was using her to motivate me to maintain the pace. He would tell me “Let’s get her at Essensa” and I would barely manage a word, just a little snort which could have meant “Uh huh” or “No way!” Or, he would signal to me with his thumb and index finger right in front of his face and I would try to read his lips “She is THIS near!” And, I would stare at him blankly focused on running my own race regardless of pink runner’s presence.
Sure, I wanted to beat her. Of course, I wanted to overtake her. But, with all humility, this woman was strong and I thought I’d collapse if I tried chasing her down. Was I willing to go all out to chase after her when I knew deep inside that I was already running a race that exceeded my own expectations for myself? Not really. (Maybe after New York, yes?!)
I was running what I felt was the best 21k race I ever run so far. Not once did I glance at my Garmin, but I felt it. And, I knew that if I ended the race strong–whether or not pink runner was ahead of me—I would be happy.
STRONG FINISH
As we neared the finish line, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The clock read 1:52.
1:52?! NO WAY?! Only in my wildest dreams! I stopped my Garmin and got confirmation. Yup! My time was 1: 52 with an average pace of 5:29/km, but it was only for 20.45 km. If adjusted, my time would’ve been 1:55 for a 21k. Well, that’s still 6 minutes better than my Cebu PR!
I placed 6th Overall for Women’s 21k. 2nd Place for Women’s in my age category.
To say I was happy was an understatement. I was overjoyed. And, if I knew how to do cartwheels, I would’ve been doing them all the way to the car.
– with Jun & Mariel (The Solemates) and hubby –
– with new friends after the race –
After thanking Alvin, congratulating Pink Runner (yes, I sought her out and shook her hand), and waiting for hubby and friends to arrive, we ran more kilometers to total 32km for the day followed by our usual breakfast at Sentro.
New Yoooork (concrete jungle where dream are made of) I am so ready for you!
The day started ominously. I crawled out of bed with my left knee still sore (as it had been all week hence the lack of posts due to minor depression!) I hadn’t had over 5 hours of sleep all week due to work. Breakfast wasn’t satisfying at all with with my favorite Skippy’s Natural Super Chunk running out. To top it all off, we left the house late, got stuck in traffic, and almost missed the race. Good thing it didn’t start on time!
A SCHOOL RUN FOR FUN
The assembly area was a sea of familiar faces. It was where my two worlds as mom and runner collided. There were co-parents from school who were joining their first race. But, at the same time, there were serious, competitive runner friends —heck, even ultramarathoners—who signed in for this little fun run for Southridge.
If TBR Jr. was giddy with excitement over this race, I was the opposite. I was drowning in worry over the sore knee. I had decided early on that this was not going to be a “race,” but a training run. I entered the assembly area not feeling the race at all. I thought I’d take it easy, play it by ear, and pray to the high heavens that—at the very least—I wouldn’t aggravate my injury with less than a month before New York Marathon.
– Race organizer Francis Macatulad starts the 1k kids race (Photo courtesy of Jojo Gloria) –
IT’S A MIRACLE…I AM CURED!
The first two kilometers were a challenge. Without any warm up, I tried my best to keep it slow and safe. But, when you’re surrounded by giddy and overly enthusiastic highschool boys or super serious runners, it’s hard to hold yourself back. I ran steady at a comfortably hard pace. All the while I listened intently to my body, specifically my knee.
None. Nada. No pain, no complaints from the knee…AT ALL. This was a surprise…a pleasant one!
At around 3k, unless I was hallucinating which is usually the case when I run under such intense heat, I believe the knee yelled back to me “Run faster. I’ll be fine!” And so, being the obedient runner that I am, I complied. I quickened my pace and found my rhythm. I didn’t give it 100% but I did let go of my worries and allowed myself the opportunity to have fun.
We ran two 5k loops around the area of Palms Country Club in Filinvest Corporate City, a route that I love for its challenge and simplicity. Before I knew it, the race was over. And, I finally could begin to smile.
My stress-free happy run ended at 51.19 mins according to my Garmin. Distance was 9.7km and my average pace was 5:17/km. First place for women’s 10k! Woohooo!
– First Place: Women’s Category 10k (Photo courtesy of Jojo Gloria) –
– Couldn’t be any prouder of TBR Jr. who didn’t win the race but loved every minute (Photo courtesy of Jojo Gloria) –
Even better news: As of today, my knee is back to normal. Southridge run race organizer, Francis Macatulad, was probably right in saying: “A podium finish is the best pain reliever.”
– with Krispy Kreme and Total freebies in hand. New York, Here I Come! (Photo courtesy of Eric Cantuba) –
