Adidas Run for Love – GK Bayani Marathon Report
This was undoubtedly an Adidas race. It was deja vu for me as little race details brought back memories of the Adidas KOTR—from the previously well-received red race singlets (only with a Run For Love stamp at the back) to the banners and streamers that lined the start/finish line. Perhaps the glaring difference was the significantly smaller number of participants who waited for the race to start. This was understandable though as this was not a “race” but a fun run for the benefit of Gawad Kalinga. Had I not seen other runners wearing their race bibs, I would’ve thought I mistakenly stumbled upon a fair as booths, a huge stage, and even a kiddie area was set up for the Gawad Kalinga expo.
I lined up at the starting line chatting with other Happy Feet members—Chai, Roselle, and Renz—and other new runner friends, Lala and Ina. Before we knew it, the run had started in an almost calm, happy send off. No firing of the gun to jolt our bodies and awaken the competitive spirit within us. Is that a good thing? I don’t know.
This was a run I strategized over the day before. My goal was 47 mins. (I wanted to break my 46:57 PR at Run To Bring Hope, which technically should be around 48-49 mins since distance was below 10k.) So, to achieve this, I needed to reach an average pace of 4:42. Of course, I planned on negative splits so I was aiming for a pace between 5 to 5:30 in the first 2km, then up it to 4:50 km (a pace I knew I would be comfortable in) and speed up to 4:40 near the end. Being a newbie with competitive racing, I wasn’t sure if this was the right thing to do or if this would really allow me to break my PR, but it sounded like a good plan (hah!) so that’s what I kept in mind as I ran through the course.
I started out slow trying my best not to compete with the faster paced runners around. My legs were a little bit stiff so I didn’t have much choice anyway. By around 2km, as I found my rhythm, I increased the pace and started enjoying the run. I focused on my form applying lessons from my recent training with Ige Lopez and even a few tips from Jujet de Asis during last Thursday’s Mizuno Run Club. Boy, did their tips make a significant difference! I felt stronger and more confident. I was pretty sure I could follow through with my strategy for this race.
As I passed the 5km mark, I checked my watch to find my time at 25 mins. so I knew I had to go a little bit faster to reach my goal. Then, a race personnel shouted out at me “Pangatlo ka!” (You’re third!) which hit me like a much-needed shot of adrenaline. Inspired, I pushed harder with a smile since this was the first time I had ever gone this close to the front.
Okay, inspiration could only get me so far. By 7-8km, I was feeling exhausted. I was definitely running at a 5:00 pace below my 4:45 goal. So much for negative splits! All I could think of by this time was the end. I would be happy to just maintain this pace. Hang on, I thought. Just a little bit more now.
Boy, was I wrong. At 10km, I was surprised to find myself still running. As I ran closer to what I thought was the finish line, I was shocked to discover that we had to run past it and make a u-turn to reach it. Nooooooo! I didn’t know how much more energy I had left in me to maintain my pace.
I glanced at the man beside me and was surprised to see a familiar face; it was the same guy at Adidas KOTR who, at the finish line, shook my hand and said he was chasing me down because he would not let a woman ran past him. I then replied in spite (but with a charming smile) “Well, I would not let a man ran past me either.” Hah!
In between breaths, I told him in tagalog “Hey, it’s you again. This is such a long race.” He replied, without giving in to my negativity, “Tapusin mo! Tapusin mo!” with as much gusto as Freddy Roach coaching Manny Pacquiao. I gathered the little energy I had left to put more power into my legs and pick up the pace. I crossed the finish line at exactly 55 minutes. The distance was 11.2 km.
– Runners line up at the finish –
I asked the race person what place I came in at and he said he didn’t know. Duh. I didn’t recall any female passing me after the 5km mark, so I could only surmise I kept my place at 3rd. Of course, it’s nothing official until the results are released. This was a fun run, so there were no awards at the end. We all just parted ways in peace after a gruelling (but absolutely fun) run.
At exactly 10km, my time would have been around 49 mins. Placing in a suspected 3rd was just a bonus. I didn’t break my PR, but I’m still happy with my time. I gave it a good fight and that is something to smile about.
– with Happy Feet –
Adidas Run for Love – GK Bayani Marathon
Last call to those who would want to join the Run For Love Marathon on October 27, 2007, Saturday (tomorrow) at SM Mall of Asia grounds. Registration has been extended! (If you’re itching for another Adidas KOTR singlet, this is your chance to get one. It’s the same singlet with Run For Love printed at the back.)
Registration through Ms. Thelma Biscocho, G/F Vasquez Madrigal Building, Greenhills, San Juan will be open until October 26, Friday, in the afternoon.
On site registration will close by 5:30am (October 27, Saturday).
See you there!
————————————————
Early this year, leading sports brand Adidas called on all running enthusiasts to gear up for their run and to go the distance— to experience the sheer pleasure of challenging themselves. Apart from the Test Run 28 promo, where individuals were matched with the right Adidas running shoe, Adidas has also launched the King of The Road (KOTR) marathon series to encourage people to keep running.
Now with the first ever Adidas Run for Love GK Bayani Marathon, Adidas once again invites all runners to hit the pavement but this time to exercise advocacy as well.
Commencing on October 27 at the SM Mall of Asia, the Adidas Run for Love marathon will surely be another huge success as participants will not only race to stay fit and healthy but are running to benefit those in need. Made for both 5 and 10k runners, all proceeds from the Adidas Run for Love – GK Bayani Marathon will go to Gawad Kalinga foundation.
The Adidas Run for Love marathon is also a great way for companies and organizations to promote team building. Companies are encouraged to join the marathon to be part of an activity that will foster camaraderie and will benefit a good cause at the same time. Interested parties may contact Thelma Biscocho at 727.99.87 or visit G/F Madrigal Bldg. Annapolis St. Greenhills San Juan.
Those who’ve picked up the running pace with Adidas confess that with all these fit fests and more, running has never been more accessible or exciting. The adidas Run for Love GK Bayani Marathon, adidas is perfect for all health buffs that believe in a good cause. So be sure to mark your calendars for the adidas Run for Love GK Bayani Marathon on October 27 and be a part of the momentous event!
* As posted by Michelle Maskarino.
More Sales – Part 2
Remember I told you about these sales popping up all over the Metro. Well, here’s more…
ADIDAS
End of Season Sale Sept. 1 to 30, 2007
NEW BALANCE
I dropped by New Balance, Festival Mall branch yesterday and discovered that they were on sale too. Shoe prices have dropped by 50% with pairs costing a mere P1,500+. For NB fans, go go go!
Sales, Sales, More Sales!
Get out and run towards your nearest sports outlet. Almost all the major brands are on sale now. Just make sure you’ve got moolah in your pockets!
——————————————————————
MIZUNO
Paseo de Magallanes BMG building Roof Deck
August 28 to 31, 2007
Running Shoes go for P995 to P3,500
With the entire family in tow, I went to Mizuno on the very first day of its VIP sale. I only had one thing in mind: Mizuno Wave Creation 8. Were they going to put it on sale? I doubted it. But, optimistic ol’ me had high hopes that one size 9 pair of the said shoe would get mixed with the old stocks on sale and would instantly fall on my lap like manna from heaven. I sat there for minutes—alongside my two children as my hubby purchased new golf shoes and two gloves—waiting for those shoes to descend from the sky. Nope. Nada. No shoe.
God helps those who helps themselves. So, I tell hubby that I must “work” for the shoe. By this I meant that I had to travel one floor down via elevator towards Mizuno’s retail store in the same building. The elevator doors opened like heaven’s pearly white gates. Had I died and gone to running shoe heaven? There lay my Mizuno Wave Creation 8 in all its beauty (well, its price tag was shining brightly too!) I tried all three colors (green for women and black/red and orange for men) but I ended up liking the women’s the most. Did I buy it? Not yet. But I know it shall be mine. Oh la la la.
——————————————————————
NIKE
Nationwide sale from August 24 to Sept 14, 2007
No tackling for me at Nike Women, Greenbelt 3…although grappling over a sports bra with another woman (or her boyfriend) sounds like a great workout. After turning in my dying Nano and Nike+ kit for repair in Power Mac, I skipped on over to Nike while my good hubby distracted the kids at Powerbooks. When the kids are away, Mommy can shop in peace so I happily left the place with a nice top for only P870. Saved myself a cool 20%. Yeah.
——————————————————————
ADIDAS
Yup, they have a sale too, but I have yet to confirm if it’s open to the public. I shall post about this once I get the go signal from them. If not, I’ll just tell you about the new outfits I get from there. Haha.
