Category Archives: Race Reports

Murhpy’s Law: If anything can go wrong, it will.

I was intent on joining two runs this weekend. The first was the 12-hour Multi Sport Celebration in Memory of Gabriel yesterday followed by the Fil-Mus Run For Peace 10k this morning. (Please pause for a while as I shut my ears to avoid hearing any sermons about tapering.) But, with bad cough accompanied by sore throat, I hesitantly passed on Gabriel’s run to save the little that was left of my barely audible voice for a workshop I was giving yesterday morning. Man, I should have seen this as an ominous sign.

Today, the morning of the Fil-Mus race, I woke up at 4:45 a.m. feeling like I had to peel myself off the bed. I should’ve seen flashing lights and warning signs all over the bedroom, but I was in no way going to pass up another opportunity to race. I took forever to get ready and finally left the house at 5:30 a.m. The race would start at 6 a.m.

Okay, now for the fun part. This is where anything that could go wrong…did go wrong. I can almost hear Murphy laughing!

{ 1 } Running Late…Literally

At 5:57 a.m., I was so near the race area, yet so far! Traffic enforcers had blocked the roads leading to the venue and, after frantically circling the roads twice, I knew I wouldn’t navigate my way through the back roads in time. So, if I wanted to make it to the race, I knew I had to walk…no run! I hastily parked at the Yacht Club, almost a kilometer away from the assembly area, jumped out of the car, and ran towards the starting line. After cursing myself all throughout that..err..warm up, I saw Banggi and Renz among the runners waiting for the race to start. I quickly asked “Is it starting?!” It was music to my ears when they said “not yet” so I made my way to the restroom yelling to them “I have to peeeeeee!”

– The view from my parking area. Sad, this was the only photo I took as my camera was left in the car, almost a kilometer away from the race –

{ 2 } The Cough Race

The 10k course was very simple. It was two laps around Roxas Boulevard starting and ending at Plaza Rajah Sulayman. I had ran that same route before at Run To Bring Hope, the last race where I set my PR. It was going to be flat and long and I was all set.

Two kilometers into the race and I was feeling unusually tired. I was coughing almost every 3 minutes and breathing was not difficult but neither was it easy. My cough was so embarassing. I thought perhaps it worked as an incentive for runners around me to gain speed in an attempt to get away from all the noise I was making!

{ 3 } Tired and Weak

By 4 km, I seriously considered ending the race at 5k. I was tired and I was slow. I was close to giving up but I pulled myself together and coerced myself into just finishing the 10k. Fine, I thought, I should just think of this as a training run and forget about competing. With the pressure off, I enjoyed the run a little bit more.

In the middle of the run, I was surprised to see Robin Padilla, a popular showbiz personality who was once known as the “bad boy” of Philippine cinema until he converted to Islam, running along with us. Hey, no matter how tired I was, that bit of entertainment sure added some color into a lifeless run. I swore he winked at me, but then again, that could have been hallucinations brought about by my sheer exhaustion at that point.

By around 8k, I still felt exhausted, almost like my steps had no power in them. I just wanted to finish the race. Pouring cold water over my head during the last three water stations helped to keep me going. I also had brief walking breaks at these stations to recover. Ack, I hated this. At my recent races, I would not walk nor stop at water stations at all! This was devastating to me.

{ 4 } Another Death

I used my sparkling new Mizuno Wave Creation 8‘s today. And, yes yes yes, they were awesome. I am in love! I barely broke them in (just used them twice on a treadmill) and still I took the chance and used them in a race. Fortunately, they didn’t disappoint.

I made a big boo-boo though. I doubled my socks as I do with my old NB 1222’s. This made the shoe too tight for my toes. So, after the race, when I felt my 4th toe throbbing, I took a deep breath before I pulled my socks off. My toe had died another death! Is that possible at all? Lazarus who came back to life (this dead toe nail had fallen off and started growing already) had suddenly been killed off again! Boy oh boy my foot is unbearably and undeniably u-g-l-y. Yes, I have to spell that out to stress how hideous it is.

{ 5 } My Time

I ended the race at 49:15 minutes, 2 minutes more than my last race. I am competitive against myself so, needless to say, I was shattered. Hey, I hear ya, it was bound to happen. Not every race is a PR race as Ben said. But, you know, I was always hoping those non-PR races would occur sometime in my late 60s.

I came in at 12th place though so that I feel good about.

Until the next race then. To Murphy, please find another runner to haunt.

At the very last minute (Thursday to be exact), I asked my friend Mon to register me for the Takbo Para Kay Ariel, a small race for the benefit of 2nd Lieutenant Ariel Toledo who had been diagnosed with cancer. I felt that I needed a real pick-me-upper to get me out of the minor rut I found myself in last week, so I thought of joining this 10k instead of training all by my lonesome in Alabang.

– This is what was parked in the Assembly Area. Sure way to beat your PR! –

At 6:00 a.m., I arrived at the assembly area in Villamor Airbase with the mindset that I was absolutely NOT going to race; I was going to run at a moderate pace and enjoy watching other runners huff and puff around me. I got the shock of my life when I learned that the 10k was called off. We were all running a 5k! Okay, what could I do then but employ Plan B…which was… uhm… to run as fast as I could.

By 6:15 a.m. I found myself doing—do not laugh—morning exercises alongside Anton and all the other runners at the grandstand. After jumping jacks, stretches, and jumping jacks again, we lined up at the starting line and we were off by 6:30 a.m.

Wow, I got off to a way too quick start. I was panting by 0.3 km… how pathetic! Less than a half kilometer into the run, Lance Armstrong tells me that my pace was 4.37 min/km—a pace that I knew I could not maintain unless I hitched a ride on a tricycle on the way back. I slowed down a wee bit to 4.50 min/km and maintained this pace except for times when I climbed hills (ooh, these were challenging little hills that I will be cursing until I hit the sack tonight!) and when I tried to leave competition behind.

The entire time, I set my eyes on chasing down one woman before me. Let’s call her Dark Horse because she ran with her hair down donning an all black outfit (No no no, she didn’t look like a horse! Such evil minds!) I knew there were just a handful of us women in the front pack but I had no high hopes of making it as first (perhaps only in my dreams) so my sole mission was to have this woman eat my dust. After seemingly endless attempts to catch up with her, I finally succeed and leave her behind. Aah, the sweet taste of victory! Before I can even raise my arms up in triumph, she blows in with a vengeance. Gosh, I must have made her terribly mad. She runs at breakneck speed like a raging bull… er that’s me… so perhaps like a zipping zebra or charging cheetah or… you get the point. I never ever catch up with her again.

I reach the finish line a few steps behind Dark Horse at 32.55 min. A very reliable source tells me (okay, it’s just my Nike+) that the distance was not 5k but around 6.8 km! (I don’t have the exact distance because I forgot to end my workout.) I came in at 5th place in the Women’s Category.

– Top 10 Men and Women. We all look so ecstatic, don’t you think? –

Before the awarding, I congratulate Dark Horse and learn that she has been running for 10 years. She says she’s much better at 42 kms. Oooh god, I won’t even go there. I learn too that she has a more approachable name, Daisy.

I leave the race with more than when I arrived. On one arm, I carry my prizes (a Petron bag and Unilever products) and, on the other, my free food (bread, water, banana, and a hard-boiled egg). I gained a few more running friends (Hi Odie, it was nice to meet you!) And, I carry a renewed sense of peace and calmness. I am not overly excited about my placing 5th nor am I glum about it. I was just happy to be running. Period.

– Happy day for Happy Feet. All women won: Me 5th, Chaia 9th (not in pic), Roselle 17th (2nd from left). From Right: Anton, Ben, and his friend –

– After the race, runners enjoy the free snacks –

Having run the farthest and fastest in two separate training runs this week, I felt confident about Run To Bring Hope. I was pretty sure I could break my PR, but I didn’t want to be presumptious about it. Who knew what could traspire during a race: I could faint, stumble on a rock, or worse, faint and hit my head on a rock! (Mind you, after what I’ve been through this is a highly plausible scenario.) So, I stayed hopeful (I guess all runners should’ve been due to the run’s title) but my feet were firmly on the ground (Guys, that’s a metaphor. I do lift my feet when I run.)

I arrived at the assembly area in Rajah Sulayman Park to see runners warming up for the race. This was relatively a small race so the mood was pretty relaxed and calm. As always, most participants were men, but surprisingly there were a large number of women too. I saw groups of girls with lean and thin physiques who, I was guessing, could probably outrun the men due to their sheer weightlessness!

Since I arrived way too early again, I had enough time to warm up, run to the restroom, tie my shoelace, run to the restroom again, retie my shoelace in the restroom, and chat with fellow Happy Feet Runners. Phew, next time I promise to get their right before the race starts so you won’t have to read through that irksome list again!

– Happy Feet! The more, the merrier –

– Mabuhay ang Pilipinas—at ang Happy Feet! –

“Five minutes to the start of the race.” I was chatting away with Happy Feet when I heard that. “2 minutes”…We were still chatting. “1 minute.” I squeezed my way into the first few rows behind the starting line. “10 seconds.” I set up my Nike+. “Go!” I clicked on my ipod and off I went.

The course was plain and simple. We ran through the flat, paved roads of Roxas Boulevard. No hills nor flyovers this time. I ran the first half at a pace a bit faster than my usual race pace. I couldn’t confirm this because I refused to glance at my ipod. Those few seconds count you know?!

By the second half, I felt like I drank a stale bottle of beer. It tasted like slight exhaustion mixed in with drops of boredom. Truly the result of one main ingredient: flat, unchallenging, bland roads. To add some spice to the recipe, I decided to apply the strategies Coach B taught me. I practiced longer strides with recovery periods in between. Oooh, I was flying! Together with Dave Matthews’ “Ants Marching” on my ipod, I was cruising at warp speed! Well, maybe not that fast but that’s how I felt.

– Runners crossing the finish line –

I ended the run with the biggest surprise ever. My time: 46.57 minutes! A whopping 10 minutes less than my PR! (Note: My Nike+ counted total distance at only 9.57 km)

Yahooo!

Yipeee!

Wooh…huh?!

What?! My Nike+ refuses to end the session. I press all the buttons, tap it, turn it upside down, and curse it to the high heavens, but it pretends not to hear me. The traitor! I thought he had been my best running buddy and, at my best run ever, he decides to abandon me?! Who does he think he is?!

After a few photos and more chatting with Happy Feet, I drive home proud of what I’ve accomplished but supremely pissed at the ipod for hanging on me. It didn’t record the entire run. Grrrr…I don’t have proof of my own personal victory. Oh well, I’m looking at the bright side, at least I didn’t faint.

– with Mary Anne and Jenny. So glad to meet you both! Looking forward to running together! –

– Batman/Spidey could’ve done 50k more –

– Run To Bring Hope awarding and raffle –

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Month, Barbizon together with Mommy Matters, Best Friends in Breastfeeding, and Phil. Association of Childbirth Educators, held its first ever Barbizon Mommy Milkshake Marathon today at Fort Bonifacio. More than a hundred participants—nursing mothers and their families, breastfeeding advocates, and runners—showed up to give their full support for the advocacy of breastfeeding by walking/running 2km around Bonifacio Global City.

Now, this was not a race for The Bull Runner. It was a race for the mother in me. (Aaaw, sniff sniff. Pass the tissue, please.) As a mother who breastfed my two kids, breastfeeding is a cause that I support because of the gift of good health it has given to my children. It was also, without a doubt, one of the best bonding experiences I had with both kids.

– My two kiddors (breastfed my little girl for 15 mos. and my boy for 6 mos.) –

This 2k run was also more like my son’s run. He was looking forward to this for the past two weeks and, as he woke up this morning with a bad cough, I promised him I would just run by his side and forget about racing today. (Forced tapering for tomorrow’s race, huh?)

So, with two children plus a yaya in tow, we headed for the Fort at 7:30 am despite the heavy rains. Upon registration, I was delighted to receive a pink shirt which all runners were asked to wear for the run. With a quick wardrobe change, I became one among the many pink runners lined up behind the starting line. Thankfully, by then, the rain had gone and the weather was cloudy and cool.

The course began from Gourdo’s restaurant and headed out towards the main streets of Bonifacio Global City. It was a delight for me to run with my son and his cousin. At first I thought I would just brisk walk while they would run by my side, but much to my surprise I found myself running (close to race pace at times!) just to keep up with them.

– Cousins on the run –

I was enjoying the run when I saw Tessa Prieto-Valdes wearing what Ben said was my dream Nathan water carrier. MY Nathan?! How could that be? Someone else got to him before I did?! I took a shot and heaved a sigh of relief as I saw that hers was pink when My Nathan is yellow. Still, I was envious. Patience, I say to myself, patience. One day, my Nathan shall arrive.

– Tessa Valdes wearing My Nathan –

We passed Senendra and Bonifacio High Street and, before we knew it, we were nearing the finish line. The organizers pulled out their pink ribbon for us to run through but I learned a little bit too late (like when I was an inch away from the ribbon) that they did this for the kids—not me! Oops, I guess Mommy got too excited about feeling like a first placer!

– I know, I know, I look preggy here. –

Before we left, we were given bags and bags of freebies from the sponsors. My oh my, Barbizon sure knows how to give us runners the spoiling that we so rightfully deserve! I took home a sandwich and water, Avent items, Prolacta samples, and—now this is my favorite—a free set of underwear which fits me perfectly! Woohoo, this sure beats hard boiled eggs!

They said this was going to be a “fun run” and that is certainly what we got—a grand time running with friends and family! Barbizon, how about a “fun” 10k next year?

– We got H@ppy Feet! –

To H@ppy Feet: Mon, Ben (and Missy), Joms, Smith, and Tisha, it was nice to see you again. Ang saya!

To Banggi, (you’re much taller than I thought), Roselle (nice to hear your soul voice live) and Anton (you are such a pleasant guy!), I was so glad to finally meet you outside of cyberspace.

To Anna Price: It was quite difficult to chat while running haha. Wish we had more time to talk and get Colin and Nia to play together!

To Tricia, congratulations for winning first place! Are you sure that wasn’t just your first race?

To  Janice, my sister who organized the race, congratulations!  When are you joining?

Thanks to Erwin Nolido for my finish line and Happy Feet shots.

Run To Bring Hope slated for July 29 (this Sunday) has been moved to August 5. Turns out that the race area will hold the ASEAN Summit on the same day and Malacanang wants the roads to be clear. I think our government has to rethink its priorities. Kidding.

So, runners, you have until August 1 (Wednesday) to sign up for Run To Bring Hope if you missed out on registration (just like me since I was planning to register on site if I passed my treadmill test the day before!) Register at One Heart, G/F Aurellio Building, 9th Ave. cor Rizal Ave. Caloocan City. Fee is P160. Look for Abigail.

See you there!

Thanks to Mon of H@ppy Feet for the SMS alert!