Inquirer 25 for 25 Run

Distance: 10K
Time: 59 minutes 56 Seconds (Sub60)
Date: February 27, 2011
Pace: 5:59 minutes / kilometer

The week that came before this day was real tough.  Stuck in board meeting preparations, recovering from cough and colds and struggling during training with the low energy left after a long day's work but the flat surfaces of the Fort was such a tempting opportunity to hit a new PR or finish Sub60.  Zoomed to a 5 minutes per kilometer pace at gun start which I held for almost 3 kilometers.  Finish the first 5K in less than 30 minutes so just had to endure another 5 kilometers and I have a shot at sub60 so I just kept on pushing myself.  Each time I wanted to rest, I'd slow down and count to 4 and run again.  After all the pushing,  I had an adrenalin rush as I saw that the clock was still within an hour from gun start so dashed as hard as I can towards the finish line and the end result, 59:56.  My very first sub60.

I started training with a goal of finishing a 10K run in an hour and I am so happy that the time has come to achieve such feat after months of training. Now to learn to do this consistently as this is only the beginning.

Last Man Running

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Date: February 20, 2011
Pace: 6:12 minutes / kilometer

This is my second race in McKinley and the place is known for its tough inclines and that it happens in the start of the race.  I had another disadvantage of having a running nose, some cough and a stressful week but those can be taken aside once they hit the go button.  The first 3 kilometers of the Last Man Running was the toughest leg with the inclines going to C5 and the uphill climb going out of upper McKinley and the rest was mostly flats and downhills except for the climb back from Bayani Road.  It's always a challenging course at McKinley but it's a good thing that we spend at least a day of our training here.  Coasted in the last 2 kilometers and finished strong at 1 hour and 2 minutes just a few seconds above my Personal Record but since this is a longer course so may have been faster in this run than my PR.

It was also amazing to witness runners going at it for the title of the last man running, which could go as long as 7-8 hours of continuous running at a fast pace.  That's how passionate people can be at running.  Well, passion is a fuel that keeps people going and going even beyond pre-conceived limits.  I'm just a shade above sub 60 but I know it's still a lot of hard training to go.

Condura Skyway Marathon

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
Date: February 6, 2011
Pace: 6:24 minutes / kilometer

The race started in Ayala Triangle towards the Skyway and back to Buendia going towards the Fort.   This race required two major uphill climb one at the skyway and the next at Kalayaan Flyover.  I was so excited for this run and as the race started it is on.  Sub30 again for first 5K including the climb at the Skyway and the road back to Buendia.  At the 5K mark, I got tempted by free bananas at the booth and my body reacted differently as an energy boost I expected turned out to give me a heavier tummy resulting to a struggle for the next 3 kilometers.  It was still at a fast pace but the effort put into each step was heavier.  At kilometer 8, I recovered and put in a decent pace before going into a crowded finish line.  I still was able to complete the run at a decent pace. No new PRs but given that this is slightly a longer course per my Garmin, I guess I'll take my time and my lesson to avoid anything that can make a stomach heavy during the run.

When running a race you get to run against thousands of runner but the biggest competition you have within a race is yourself.  Even as I finished as part of the top 10% of the 10K finishers, I still wanted a better time and that would be something I'll have to work for.

Greentennial Run

Distance: 15K
Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Date: January 23, 2010
Pace: 6:32 / kilometer

Tried out 15K this time more of a training run but still did go at a fast pace.  Sub30 for first 5K which included a run towards the Kalayaan Flyover all the way to Ayala via Buendia.  After the 7K mark decided to just maintain a 7 minute per kilometer pace since the distance is longer than what I used to.  The end result still a very decent finish for this distance even if I had to ran with an anklet on both feet to protect my brittle heel.  Hydration station was overflowing, photographers from every corner and they even had a water-delivery truck giving a shower to cool down a bit from all the effort and the heat.

Testing myself over a longer distance was a success and maybe in the very near future, I will test myself again at a much longer distance.  This was never my goal at the start of the training but I guess possibilities are limitless.

Subic International Marathon

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 1 minute
Date: January 9, 2011
Pace: 6:10 minutes / kilometers

Hello 2011!!!  Hello first international marathon!!! Hello first out of town run!!!

My first run for 2011 was spent in Subic. A better scenery, a fresher air and running alongside well trained policemen was a great motivation so this had me running at a faster and more consistent pace.  A run around the bay was really refreshing.  I reached 5K mark sub30.  My first sub30!!!  I just continued running a good pace and at the end of the run, I was just a minute above my sub6o goal and a new PR.  I can smell sub60 just around the corner.  I was running with Plantar Fasciitis injury but screw the injury once it heats up it's all systems go.  Pre-race preps was ok as we had a nice carbo-loading dinner in front of Subic Bay and had a good sleep before the run and post-run treat of ribs at Texas Joe was excellent.

Seeing that sub60 was so near had me thinking how much I had improved from the first time I joined a run. The training was a success and having great friends to run with always helps.  I know sub60 will come soon and I'll definitely train hard for shaving that minute away.

Run for Change

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
Date: December 19, 2010
Pace: 6:36 minutes / kilometers

This was my first run at McKinley and it was another uphill run. I was sleep-deprived for this run having less than 3 hours sleep but the adrenalin rush should keep me awake for this race.  It was a challenging run as you had to start the climb as early as the 200 meter mark so no time to warm up but you'll have to deal with what the race gives you and so I did.  I ran full speed ahead despite the uphill terrain. The good part with uphill runs is what goes up, must go down so you can coast during downhill parts of the runs. With a slightly later gun start, the sun was up early so heat was another factor but at the end of it all, a new PR, 1 minute off my previous time and considering this was an uphill terrain, It felt great.

I took this race since I wanted to have a last run before the Christmas and I took this more of a training run than a real run but I think when your running with thousands of runners, it gets you pushing a lot harder than you used to and gives you a much better results.

ING Running 20

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 7 minutes
Date: December 11, 2010
Pace: 6:42 minutes / kilometers

Evey race by now is a chance to set a new personal record and with the race route so familiar by now, I had a shot.  The Fort is a battlefield anew with another bank sponsoring a run.  All set from the get go and run... run... run...  and at the end of it all, a new personal record.  I managed to shave off another 4 minutes from my 10K time.  This is now getting interesting and it's just fulfilling that at the end of the run that you get to show marked improvement.  The training program is working.  I am now more comfortable with 10K and I guess my endurance is starting to improve as well.

It was a good run though even at an improved pace catching sub60 would still need a lot of work and now back to training.

KaRUNungan

Distance: 10K (Actual 12K)
Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
Date: November 28, 2010
Pace: 7:15 minutes / kilometer

This was my first vertical marathon and probably one of the toughest you can have.  The actual mileage reached more than 12 kilometer and the inclines were quite high.  The extra kilometers in an uphill terrain was a test of stamina and I'm glad that I was able to get past this race at a decent time.  The climb along the various inclines in Ortigas was well worth it.  This made me realize that I am capable of running more than 10K at a tougher course and that is I future I would gladly consider in time.  This was also one of the most photographed runs and it was really nice running in a phalanx of photographers. 

It was good running in a different terrain and surpassing this challenge was a real confidence boost.

Run United 2

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 11 minutes
Date: November 20, 2010
Pace: 7:06 minutes / kilometers

I almost missed running this race as my car's battery got fully drained and this was the first time I was running solo so just took a cab to the Fort.  The first time I had to run on my own and I end up car less but this was still another shot at a better time.  This was one of the most organized runs with race marshals in every corner cheering you.  I just kept pushing myself in this race - limiting my usual walking rests and after all the pushing, I ended up shaving 6 minutes from my 10K time.  This made me believe that a sub60 goal was possible and I do belong running alongside 10K runners.  The race also had the best loot bag giveaways and they even had a post event souvenir mailed to you.

Finally, the first real sign that training was working.  I can't wait for another chance to run for a better personal record.

HSBC Run 135

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
Date: November 6, 2010
Pace: 7:42 minutes / kilometer

I always thought that this race was my shot at a better time which remains a thought even after the race.  I am still struggling with the longer distance and with balancing my energy in a 10K course even at a very familiar territory at the Fort.  No muscle pain, no uphill climb and yet just a one minute improvement in my 10K time.  I am now starting to think that I'm not meant for 10K but I hope everything can be done with proper preparation.  The race route was simpler, the singlet had a nice design and it was good to run with more space to run with fewer runners.

I'm starting to get the notion that running is the golf of this generation as a lot of banks is now using running as a medium to network.  That's good for me as I get to mix my profession and hobby.

Adidas King of the Road

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hours 18 minutes
Date: October 24, 2010
Pace: 7:48 minutes / kilometer

This race was the one wherein I proceed to the next level... A full 10K Run... and this transition was not the easiest I ever had.  I had pain in my calves as early as the second kilometer.  The climb towards the Kalayaan Flyover and back was a real struggle and it was traffic in the flyover being part of the mid-pack.  I had a hydration bottle that fell several times.   I really felt that I'd finish this race at a lousy time of an hour and a half but fortunately was able to get across the finish line at much less time and the real objective of this run was just to finish.  I wasn't really happy with my time but I know there would be a lot of room to improve.

It was my move to 10K on my 10th race on the 10th month of the 10th year.  I may not have transitioned beyond my own expectation but it was nice to do it in this stage with over 12,000 runners and one of the most anticipated running event of the year.  This was a new distance to conquer and this just means I have to work much harder. Back to training for me...

Blue Water Run

 

Distance: 5K

Time: 35 minutes

Date: October 17, 2010

Pace: 7 minutes per kilometer

The funny thing about this run is that I was a bit late coming in and the end result, I wore my singlet backwards.  Well, noticed it upon gun start but of course, once the gun goes, it's time to run and so be it.  The 5K run was set in MOA again and this time 5K felt like a breeze as I already started my training at this time.  It was quite inspiring having a troop of police marching in unison and shouting chants.  Finished in a good time, I rushed to my car to fix my wardrobe malfunction. 

This would be my last 5K before I move to 10K and knowing that it was finished in a good time adds comfort to going to the next round...

Auto Review Run

Distance: 5K
Time: 36 minutes
Date: September 25, 2010
Pace: 7:12 minutes per kilometer

This event featured a glow in the dark singlet or at least a part of it.  And here goes another interesting run at the Fort as the gun start goes, I immediately made my usual dash and am now able to sustain the pace at longer intervals though I get to be tired time and again but it was an improvement and so was my finish time.  I'm starting to get the hang of running and I must have gone through the loops, twist and turns around the fort several times over by this time.

It's now beyond fun... It's now trying to outdo yourself every step of the way...

Finex Run

 Distance: 5K
Time: 38 minutes
Date: September 12, 2010
Pace: 7:36 minutes / kilometer

I was lucky enough to have some of my runs sponsored by Total Fitness c/o Mascy and the Finex Run is the first of them.  It was another run at MOA after doing two 3K here earlier during the year and this time, I'm going for 5K or so I thought.  Since the coursed looped twice towards  Macapagal, it did exceed the 5K mark even after just getting past the second loop.  I did have all the energy going into the first loop but had to struggle onwards but at the end of all the struggles is the finish line.

It was still nice to run around MOA as the air and the sea breeze is much fresher in this part of town. 

Figaro Fun Run

Distance: 5K
Time: 37 Minutes
Date: September 4, 2010
Pace: 7:24 minutes / kilometer

In the tradition of running for those cool singlets, I joined another 5K run this time being part of the First Figaro Fun Run held at the Fort.  This was the first time I did have a decent time and the first time I really exerted an effort to finish strong in a race with the Fort being quite a familiar territory at this time.  It's all systems go from the start until I struggled in the mid-part of the run and finished strong and now I get the hang of what is it to have a personal record.

I think I did get an idea that I can finish better in races like this and yes, races also equals to loot bags.  With an improved pace, things are definitely heating up...

Miles for Smiles

Distance: 5K
Time: 48 minutes
Date: August 22, 2010
Pace: 9:36 / kilometer

One of the first motivations I had for running was that the singlet looks cool and seeing the Miles for Smiles singlet, I'm in. Running alongside Mascy and Eunice is starting to be a weekly habit.  Running through loops around the Fort and a slight climb towards McKinley in a 5K course was what this race required.  This run went on smoothly and I may have acquired another skill after this race... finding race photos in the web.

It was good running and as a bonus you get to contribute to a cause and have a nice new singlet. It's worth all the sweat you put into it.

Milo Marathon

Distance: 5K
Time: 51 minutes
Date: July 4, 2010
Pace: 10:12 minutes / kilometer 

Next in line was to try out Milo Marathon in another 5K race and it was a different race at Quirino Grandstand.   It was not a smooth run since there were more than 25,000 people in 5K alone and the heat was scorching and the distance was even more than 6K.  Part of it was due to the fact that you had to swerve time and again since people converge in groups in the road.  It was a real struggle.

A lot of adversity arises during runs and with the volume of people in this run it was not really a convenient run but at the end of it all, the important part is that you get to reach the finish line...

Rock & Run & Rain

Distance: 5K
Time: 48 minutes
Date: June 19, 2010
Pace: 9:36 minutes / kilometer

It was a last minute but through Eunice contacts, we were able to register in Rock & Run.  This would be my first run at the Fort.  It was a different run in the sense that it happened at night and not knowing that there'll be another R that would come along the way.  It was the heavy Rain and upon seeing people so excited to run even with the rain, we joined the fun in Running in the Rain.  Into my third race, moving up to 5K and being able to run for the first time at night and the rain just puts the FUN in fun run.

The rain was refreshing in a way that you'll always feel hydrated.  It was fun playing like kids in the rain and with cool rock music as your backdrop.  Anything can happen within a race and the weather will always pose to be a challenge or a source of enjoyment.  I'm glad to take part in such a unique experience.

The Feast Run

Distance: 3K
Time: 32 minutes
Date: May 30, 2010
Pace: 10:40 minutes / kilometer

This time it was my friend Grace who had to drag me to a run.  Grace call this more of a chikathon as we are talking the whole 3K course in MOA.  The 3K was just a going around the outer borders of the mall and since it was just pure walking, we didn't even break a sweat for the 3K course.  It was fun doing those pre-run stretches and the rewarding meal after the run.

It's fun going over the course with friends with you and the distance would always seem shorter.  If I have to do this more frequent, there should be a room to improve.

Run By The Bay

Distance: 3K
Time: 29 mins
Date: May 23, 2010
Pace: 9:40 minutes / kilometer

This was my first ever run as my friend Eunice registered me for the event.  It was a short 3K run at MOA but spent most of the time walking and catching my breath. 3K in MOA is just a run around the mall beginning and ending at the bay side of the mall.  It always seem easier going around the mall when there are shops to look at.

I think it's common for a people with no athletic background struggling on their first run but I didn't care about my time and my goal was just to finish the race.   The hardest part to do is always the first step and this was mine and it was such a slow pace for a short distance but you have to start somewhere.  Everything has to start somewhere and the story of my run starts here...