Powerade Duathlon

Distance: 6K Run, 30K Bike, 3K Run
Time: 2:22 including transition (6K Run: 37 minutes, 30K Bike: 1:17, 3K Run: 21 minutes)
Date: March 25, 2012
Pace: 6K Run: 6:10 minute per kilometer, 30K Bike: 23.5 Km/hour, 3K Run: 7 minute per kilometer
Duathlon
The story of me in a duathlon event has been a long story waiting to happen.  It's something I never expected nor have seen myself doing but being exposed to awesome triathlete friends, one has to wonder, "What if?".   It did took me a long while to come to this point of the story but I guess it's not how long it takes you from point A to point B but what's important is you get to enjoy the process.  I finally got my bike late December equipped with so little knowledge of handling a road bike.  I was aiming for a May 2012 duathlon debut knowing that March is my busy period but by some crazy turn of events, I ended up signing up in Powerade Duathlon as part of Team Total Fitness.  I was really more terrified than excited for this event as I've so many flaws in biking but I know that the experience in an actual duathlon event would go a long way in motivating me in this sports. So be it, let's go 6K Run, 30K Bike and 3K Run!!!
6K Run Leg


I felt jittery for this event to the extent that I had tummy troubles before the start of the race and lucky for me, there's a rest room in Army/Navy near the transition area.  So out with the jitters and on with the run.  Two loops from Commerce Ave to Corporate Woods Ave with a significant part of the run on hilly terrain.  I felt rusty at the start being away from an actual racing environment for over a month.  I was able to go at sub 6 minute per kilometer pace for the first two kilometer though slowed down a bit on the third kilometer and just maintained a steady pace for the rest of the run leg as I wanted to preserve my energy as this was still a long way to go.  I had bloopers in my first transition already as I forgot to place my watch in front of my bike and good thing I had Jeff guiding me on what to bring on the bike leg and what not to.  So 30K here we go!!!
30K Bike Leg

6 loops from Commerce Ave to Corporate Ave to Parkway Street to Filinvest Ave and the hilly part from Corporate Ave to Corporate Woods Ave to Laguna Heights to Corporate Ave again before a final u-turn at Filinvest Ave on the way to East Asia Drive per loop.  I had meager expectations for this part as just weeks ago I was barely biking 20kph at my best effort but I did step up my pace a bit after a tough hill bike ride in Tagaytay at Team Total Fitness camp two weeks ago.  Since I had my watch on my wrist instead of my bike, I had no idea on my pace until I saw my bike splits from my watch after the race.  It was anything goes, just do your best and hope to finish at a good time.  The first kilometer was more of feeling out the course and started at just 20 kph before going through the rest of the race at around 23-25 kph.
The first part of the loop was hilly until you reach Palms Country Club and would go flat after.  Every time, I passed by Palms, I felt relieved as I can rest a bit on the flat grounds.  Among the things I have yet to do was use one hands while biking so I can hydrate so I wasn't able to hydrate for the first 20K until I decided to stop for a while just to hydrate.  That's one of the flaw to work on.  Of course, the other flaw would be speed and so here begins the quest for a sub 1 hour 30 bike leg.  Long way to go but it should be something I can work on.  Finished my bike leg at 1:17 way above my meager expectation of 1:30.  As I approached transition, I felt really exhausted and almost cramping.  Thanks to big bang workouts, I know I can endure despite being wasted.  It was total disaster from transition as I entered the exit area instead the start area so had to go back to the correct start area.  While I did waste so much time, I felt relieved that only 3K stands from completing my first duathlon.
3K Run Leg

Here we go 3K before I lay claim to the title, duathlete.  By this time my calves was on the verge of cramping so just took smaller but faster and more consistent steps and was able to go at around 6:30 minutes per kilometer.  I think at this point, it was more heart and running form than energy so just went on at this rate and slowed down a bit on the uphill part and after about 21 minutes, there I was approaching the finish line with some of my team mates cheering me on.  39 kilometers complete and mission accomplished,  I finished the race!!!  Looking back, it was the best effort I could have given at this time.  Of course, there's a long way to go in duathlon but I'm just glad I'm on the right track.  I felt wasted and my heart rate was at a high but hitting the finish line was well worth it.  I'm a Duathlete.
Team Total Fitness at Powerade

Team TF with JR and Jhoan

It feel so good to be part of a team and as I'm learning the ropes in duathlon, I'm glad to have team mates who are great and passionate triathletes and not to mention having an awesome Coach who's not only a great athlete but also a very positive person.  It pays to have the right attitude and blue collar workmanship in multi sports. Going 39K was really difficult but having supportive team mates sure eases a bit of the load.  Congrats to Coach Andy for a podium finish on his age group and to the rest of the team who had a great performance for the event.  It's a great day for the team!!!
Photos taken by Team Total Fitness at Powerade Duathlon (Click here)

Condura Skyway Marathon 2012

Distance: 21K
Time: 2 hours and 19 minutes
Date: February 5, 2012
Pace: 6:37 minutes per kilometer

Skyway Marathon

Condura Skyway Marathon is a once a year chance to run in the Skyway but it is also one of the most organized and planned race by its organizers.  This year, it came up with an additional feature of being the first midnight marathon in the country and had the mangroves as its beneficiary.  There was a large buzz even before registration began as the organizers was taking the runners inputs on the shift of gun start.  Being part of half marathon category with a 3:30 am gun start, we stayed in B hotel just 2 kms away from the start area to have additional sleep.  In terms of race expectations, I really don't know what to expect as this won't only be racing against time and fatigued but you're also racing against your body clock so it's a nice challenge.  It was also nice seeing a lot of people in the run community as this one was one of the most anticipated and attended runs in the country.

Race course and elevation

This is one of the more interesting races even it just follows a straight course as it passes through several cities.  It starts in the skyway entrance in Alabang Zapote road and it take about 3 kilometers going to the first toll booth. At kilometer 4 is the Sucat Exit and around the 8 km mark is Bicutan Exit.  The 10.5 kilometer U-turn slot near the C-5 exit of the Skyway then it goes all back to Festival mall for the finish.

 

The Skyway Marathon is not a flat course and it starts with a slow climb from the entrance ramp until Sucat exit at 4 Km mark.  After that you get a kilometer and a half steep climb covering 40 kilometers of elevation to the highest peak of the skyway.  It then goes on some short climbs and descents until the U-turn slot at the 10.5K mark with a total descent of around 4o meters of elevation.  Going back you get to climb back to the peak of the skyway at around the 15K mark covering another 40 meters of elevation.  Next up is descents and short climbs until the 20K mark covering 50 meters of elevation and at the last kilometer, it's another 10 meter worth of elevation before you hit the finish line.

The Race

I registered early enough to form part of Wave A so was one of the first few to hit the sky way.  21 Km is such a long distance to take as a single race so I try to cut it down to shorter races based on the profile of the course to make it more manageable and exciting to run the half marathon.  I planned to test my limit and try to run faster than I normally would in a 21K distance because somehow I felt I've set some preconceived limits and this time, I wanted to test myself to go at a faster pace and lets see if I can set a new PR.

Km 1-3

This part was advertised to be the narrow part of the run equivalent to a one lane road so there was no water stops for this part.  I started fast for this one and planned to finish this part as fast as I can to avoid any clogging so was going at 6 minute per kilometer pace and planned to take a short rest on the first water stop at km 2.9 mark.

Km 3-10.5

This is a hilly course and even had a steep climb between kilometer 4 to midway of the 5th kilometer.  I settled to a 6:10-6:30 minute kilometer pace and tried to see the race as a series of 1.5 kilometer race with the water stops as the markers where I can talk short walking breaks.  The good part of being part of the first wave is that it's not yet crowded in the first half of the race and it was nice to appreciate the view from the skyway as it was well lighted and you can see yourself cross each city. It was nice going at a fast pace as I also was ignoring some minor pains in my calf muscles and some friction burn in my back.

Km 10.5 to 19

It was refreshing to go past the U-turn slot and that the race is half way done.  It was great seeing some familiar faces on the other side of the Skyway.  I was still going at around 6:30 minute per kilometer though slowed down a bit to 6:40 minute per kilometer pace at the 15 kilometer mark but this was the part that I started to be able to overtake some runners as some runners were slowing down.  I broke my 15K and 16K PRs at the 15th and 16th kilometer mark.  It was nice counting down the kilometers til you reach kilometer 21.  It was fascinating to see some fireworks a few kilometers approaching the finish line.

Km 19 to 21

The last three kilometers going down the skyway was a struggle as my calf muscles was real sore and cramping already so just went on a 7 minute per kilometer pace for the next two kilometers and was running near the railings so when my muscle cramped I am near the railing so I can stretch.  At the last kilometer, I slowed down to 8 minute per kilometer pace walking and jogging as I felt my calf muscles was about to go and it also was an uphill climb in the last kilometers.  Just a few steps towards the finish line and a new PR in store and there it goes my right calf muscles cramped and was down a few steps away before the finish line.  I had a few minutes to recover and walked myself to the finish line.  On an afterthought had I thrown my shoes with the d-tag after I fell I could have a new PR (=>) but falling a few meters short of a PR finish, this was a great race.  I tested my limits and fell a tad short but even with the recovery time, it was still near my PR so this should make me stronger.

Condura Skyway Marathon

It wass another well organized race by Condura.  Hydration stations were sufficient and the runners were properly advised on some limitations on hydration.   The Skyway was well lighted and it was a great experience starting the run with under moonlit skies in wee hours of the morning and finishing a run with the sun still not up.  It was nice to have a hard earned finisher medal overcoming muscle pain and running outside your normal comfort time.  I'm sure everybody would have jet lag (let's call it Condura lag) in the next few days.  Condura has set the bar high this time for being one of the best races of the year.  I'm sure come end of 2012, it's gonna be in my best races list again (my 2011 best races lists).

Running is more fun in the Philippines

 

Because running is more fun in the Philippines. I got myself a Pinoyfitness singlet at their booth in the Condura village.  It's a nice singlet featuring the Pinoyfitness colors and it says, "Running is more fun in the Philippines" at the back.   It's also affordable at P299.  Aside from being part of a team, I'm also part of a community and Thanks to Pinoyfitness as I post most of my reviews in their site to promote my blogs.  I'm also happy that the running community is growing... definitely more people are having fun running in the Philippines.

Team Total Fitness Running

 

It was great running with Team Total Fitness.  Moby for running with me within the first four Kilometers... Sir James with his awesome 1:42 21K time... Gryf for a  new 21K PR and Richard who also had a strong finish and Andie who's working hard to improve his time...  Team Total Fitness conquers Skyway and see you again in our Group training runs.

Subic International Marathon 2012

Distance: 21K
Time: 2 hours and 18 minutes
Date: January 22, 2012
Pace: 6:34 minutes per kilometer

It's More Fun in Subic

Subic is always a great weekend getaway and at the start of the year it becomes a stage of the Subic International Marathon. It brings in a droves of passionate runners, fit police and army personnel and even newbies who just want to enjoy a run in Subic scenery in 3K, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon Categories.  It was 3 times the fun for Team Total Fitness at Subic as we were able to sneak in a bike ride around Waterfront drive with a view of the Subic Sunset on Saturday and a swim at Camayan Beach Report on Sunday after the Run.

Route and Elevation Profile

The Race starts at Remy Fields Oval then you take Rizal Highway for the next two kilometers and then you turn right to Argonaut Highway for the next 6 kilometers. This stretch provides a view of Subic Bay and a climb at Subic International Airport.  The last 2 kilometers before the u-turn slot is another climb towards Corregidor Road with a view of the Forrests of Subic.  The Elevation is almost flat for the first 5 kilometers before you start a climb approaching Subic International Airport and another climb to Corregidor Road covering 50 meters of elevation on the second 5-6K approaching the u-turn slot and then it's almost downward to flat run from there to the finish line.

The Race

I came into the starting line a little low on sleep and high on training mileage as I'm in my build phase of my training but running in Subic is refreshing with the fresher winds, the scenic bayside view and the fresh forrest scenery you get to see along the road.  The level of competition is also a bit higher here as you get to test your mettle against passionate runners and fit police and army personnel.  I was able to use my head light from the energizer run for additional illumination over the dark skies of dawn. I was off to a flying start for the first three kilometers.  I then settled at 6:30 pace from then on as I want to test how long I can go at a steady and consistent pace.  I was tempted to go slower on the climb at Subic International Airport but I didn't want the training effect that a hill brings to your legs so just maintained my pace.  It was a nice view approaching the u-turn at Corregidor Road which was surrounded by tall trees with fruit bats flying around.

I always get a fresh burst of energy at the halfway u-turn slot as it is the time you start counting down the kilometers to go and the climb towards the airport is now a dowhill path.  The sun also started to be a factor as it was a hot morning but since it's countdown mode,  it just gets me more excited to reach the finish line earlier.  Struggled a bit with a bit of soreness in the calf and quads muscles going in the last 5 kilometers so just went on with a slightly slower pace towards the finish line back in the oval.  As I crossed the finish line, I have a new PR for 21k at 2:18 and it was done running at an aerobic phase.  It was a good run and having a new PR is an additional consolation.  The race was great and improved a lot from last year in terms of lighting, water supply and even had a water hose to shower runners along the way.  The 21K finisher dog tag was also a unique memorabilia for the run. Now to look forward to 2013 Edition.

Team Total Fitness

Another great run for Team Total Fitness.  Team Total Fitness was also able to take some photos during the event at the oval area towards the finish line and here are the links.

Album 1

Album 2

Album 3

PSE Bull Run

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour and 6 minutes
Date: January 8, 2012
Pace: 6:36 minutes per kilometer

Bull Run

A bull run in the stock market means a period of increasing share prices in the stock market.  It is also the time that the investors are aggressive (or bullish) and is one indicator of how our economy is performing.  Some stock markets including our own Philippine Stock Exchange holds bull runs to spur hopes of a bull period in the stock market which directly translates to good economic fundamentals and high investor confidence.  This run was a run for the economy.

The Course

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line and the shortest distance in a race course is... a straight line.  A straight course is an easier run as you tend to lose momentum when passing through curves and turns.  The 10K course was such a straight and simple course. It starts from 28th Street all the way to 26th Street and 5th Avenue to enter Kalayaan Flyover and proceeds to Buendia before taking a u-turn near Malugay and back to the 26th street using the same course except that you'll use 3rd Ave going back instead of 5th Ave.  While the elevation profile is generally flat, the climb to and from Kalayaan flyover is always a challenge to runners.

The Race

It was a hectic training week with me already logging 30 kilometers and 3 hours on bike before the start of the race so I decided to adopt a race to train approach and run at an aerobic rate.  As long I get to finish each kilometer below 7 minutes per kilometer pace I should be fine.  For the first four kilometers including the climb to Kalayaan Flyover, I was struggling with some slight muscle pain so I had to endure until I get warmed up. At the 5th Kilometer, I was already able to go at a faster pace without much pain so maintained that pace to the finish line.  It was a bit dark in Kalayaan flyover before 6 am though it was tolerable.  Hydration (Water and Energy Drink) was overflowing and the water was cold which was a good way to rehydrate.  There were also sprinklers in the course of the race to refresh the runners.  Since the organizers had limited the participants, the run didn't feel crowded and runners had space to run.  I ran the 10K race course though I did hope to run the 16K category since they had a cool finisher shirt and medal for 16K but 16K and 21K slots were as a hot as a top selling stock.  Overall, it was a good run and with it comes the hope that the economy can be as successful as the run.

Team Total Fitness Running

It was another good run for Team Total Fitness.  We (Charles, Gryf, Andie and me) all joined the 10K category.  Thanks to Chris Sports for providing our race kits.

Run for Pinoy Glory

Distance: 5K
Time: 27 Minutes and 20 Seconds
Date: January 7, 2012
Pace: 5:27 minutes per kilometer

The Cause

The race is for the benefits of the Filipino athletes who will represent the country in the 2016 Olympic in London.  Some of the athletes even took part in the event along side the Police Force and the Army.  While the run had less fanfare than the big time runs, this one was definitely a strong and challenging field.  The Run had 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K, Executive and a special category for those on wheelchair.

The Route

The route for the 5K category was simple.  It starts at high street area in 9th Ave then proceeds to the 26th Street all the was to 3rd Avenue and shifting back to 5th Avenue before taking a loop in the 32nd Avenue and Lane R before returning to 5th Avenue on the way to 30th Steret and finally, the finish line in 9th Ave.  The high street area is relatively flat and after not running here for quite some time, the changes is very noticeable with new structures rising in the Global City.

The Race

This is my first race for the year and I was only expecting to run at an easier pace since I have back to back races this weekend.  At gun start, seeing the strong field, I tried to keep in pace with the lead pack in the first kilometer but slowed down a bit as I've felt that my legs was still a bit weary from the trainings I had for the week.  I did try to run at sub 6 minutes per kilometer.  It was also inspiring to hear chants from the army and seeing them moving in unison.  I just maintained my pace until the finish line and crossing the finish line at the 27 minute mark, which was a great time for 5K. The race course was a bit short of the 5K distance but since this should be part 1 of back to back races, the shorter the course,  the better. I'm excited to take some pictures of the other distance as part of  Team Total Fitness desire to cover some races.  Overall, it was a good race. It was not too crowded, hydration was sufficient and it was a nice challenge.  What a way to start a year, a fast paced 5K run.

Nice seeing the army running in unison.

Behind the Scene

Took photos after the run which is posted in Team Total Fitness Facebook page.  When it comes to taking photos, I'm such a newbie and it did take me time to adjust the right setting to take better pictures but Team Total Fitness will try to cover some runs as much as we can.  It was fun taking pictures of runners and I'm such an active Photographer as I keep moving places while taking photos in hopes that I get to finish sooner.  Being race photographer is a real taxing job but it's fulfilling as well, every time people smile back at you and say thank you.

Team Total Fitness Running

This is Team Total Fitness first run for 2012 and first of back to back runs.  Thanks to Chris Sports for providing the race kits.  We'll be running again tomorrow and hopefully have a chance at taking photos again.

Corregidor International Half Marathon

Distance: 21K
Time: 2 hour and 52 minutes
Date: December 10, 2011
Pace: 8:11 minutes per kilometer
Ridge Run vs Trail Run
I finally got my answer on which is more difficult between a ridge run and a trail run.  The answer is a ridge run and a trail run combined A.K.A. Corregidor International Half Marathon.  CIHM has been known to be an extreme marathon since it has an endless amount of killer hills and slippery trails.  The race would at the same time be a tour around Corregidor wherein you get to see the ruins and structures in Corregidor plus the Ocean View on some parts and an eerie experience of ghostly proportions.
Cabana

We came a day earlier and were housed in a Cabana in the resort side of Corregidor via Sun Cruises.  We were able to get some stops along the island and at the same time had an idea of the upHELL climb awaiting us the day after.  The Cabana was cozy enough for sleep and had a good ocean view.
Course and Elevation

The race starts at the south dock and leads you straight to a dark and eerie Malinta Tunnel then a you continue to climb towards Japanese Garden of Peace at about the 2K Mark.  This is followed by a descent towards the resort side and walking along the trail road just beside the sea and climbing the stairs towards the first u-turn slot.  After the u-turn slot you get to climb back to the Filipino Heroes Memorial and then trek down to the airfields wherein you get to pass a long stretch of grass area between the 5th and 6th kilometer.  Next, you go back to National Heroes Memorial and head back to Malinta Tunnel at around the 9K mark and is followed by more than a kilometer climb to the other side of the island where you get a 5-6 kilometer stretch of trail and road combination passing through the hospital, mile-long barracks and the light house.  From the 16K you get a 3 kilometer descent back to the dock area and kilometer 19 and 20 is the toughest part with a steep climb along the road near the shoreline. Finally, the last kilometer is a descent back to Malinta Tunnel and to the finish line.

At gun start, you immediately go uphill covering a 40 meter of elevation in the first two kilometers followed by a kilometer descending 40 meters of elevation and climbing back again another kilometer. This is followed by two kilometers of slow decent of around 20 meters of elevation to the airfields and climbing back another 2 kilometers of the same elevation. At kilometer 8, you get a kilometer descent to Malinta Tunnel with about 40 meters of elevation.  From there you get to start your climb at kilometer 9 wherein you get to cover 180 meters of elevation over a 7 kilometer stretch of road and trail.  You start your descent of about 3 kilometers with about 180 meters of elevation.  Kilometer 19 and 20 is the toughest part with a 60 meters elevation climb spread out in 2 kilometers.  Finally, you get to descent to the finish line in the last kilometer covering 60 kilometers of elevation.

The Race

Knowing that this was an extreme marathon because of the terrain and the trails, I really didn't know what to expect so I'll just go with the flow and take it slow and easy.

Kilometer 1-9

The first 9K consists of moderate climb and descents so I went slow on the inclines and fast on the descents.  I was able to finish this part at a steady time.  This course also had you past the creepy Malinta Tunnel twice.  The first one at the start of the race and the second one approaching the 9K mark.  It felt scary on my second round as the next runner in front of me was 10-20 meters away so I covered this area faster than my regular pace.

Kilometer 10

Kilometer 10 was the start and the steepest part of the climb.  I walked this part of the race to save energy for other parts of the race given this is a 21K race. It does take so much energy to go for climbs this steep.

Kilometer 11-15

Kilometer 11 to 15 was a combination of an uphill climb and a trail run so I ran the flat portions and slight inclines and brisk walked the steep inclines and the slippery part of the trail.  This was my first trail experience and the rain the day before made some portions of the road slippery but it was also exciting trekking in this trails as it also had some nice views and surprises in between.

Kilometer 16-18

Kilometer 16 was the start of a 3 kilometers downward descents.  Unfortunate for me, this is where I experienced my first cramps on my right calf muscles just I was about to attack the descents.  I thank some fellow runners who assisted me as I fell with the cramp and helped me to stretch and stand up during the portion.  I went for a slow jog from there on and good thing it was the downhill part so less stress on the calf muscles and was able to withstand the distance despite the cramps.

Kilometer 19-20

This was the killer hill portion of the race so I just walked this part and taking bigger stride to cover more ground instead.  It was a tough climb especially coming from cramps but I expected this part of the race so just had to find ways to endure.

Kilometer 21

Entering the last kilometer, I had my second fall with cramps on both calves.  Lucky for me that I landed on grass areas and that a race marshal was nearby.  The race marshal help soften the cramped muscles and help me on my feet again.  I just walked the remaining part of the race except for the creepy Malinta tunnel wherein I started to jog.  It was also a scary idea on what if I cramped again inside Malinta tunnel but fortunately I didn't.  I jogged myself all the way to the finish line.

Conquering Corregidor

I may be banged up big time for this one but I was able to conquer Corregidor and this medal stands out from the rest as I practically had to crawl myself up in getting this one.  It's really not a good feeling cramping up during a run but a finish is a finish and I have set myself a new PR... personal records for most cramps during a  run at 3 (2x on the right calf and one on the left). Oh well, what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger. I'm not yet done licking my wounds but as McArthur once said in Corregidor, I shall return...

Team Total Fitness Running

As always it's been a pleasure running under the Team Total Fitness banner.  Congrats to Rojan for placing 5th and Mascy and Gryf for finishing their first half marathon.

Quezon City International Marathon

Distance: 10K
Time: 1 hour and 3 minutes
Date: December 4, 2011
Pace: 6:12 minutes per kilometer
Quezon City
The unique treat in joining a race in Quezon City is that you get to run at the widest highway in the country, Commonwealth Ave.  I used to shy away from Quezon City based run since I am based in Makati with BGC and MOA being closer locations but this time, it seemed to be a well organized run backed by a strong sponsor, SMDC and Runnex. The different race categories are spaced apart and that would avoid an overcrowded run with 42K taking off at 4:00 am, 21K taking off at 4:30 am, 10K taking off at 5:45 am and 5K taking off at 6 am.
The Route and Elevation

The race course for the 10K category is quite simple.  It starts from the Quezon Memorial Circle in front of Quezon City Hall and goes straight to Commonwealth Avenue and with a U-turn at halfway point which is a little past Amsterdam Avenue in Don Jose Area in Commonwealth and then you take the same road back to Quezon Memorial Circle for the Finish Line.  The advantage of a straight course is you don't get much disruption of momentum because of curves and turns in the course.

Though the course way seem flat the elevation can be tricky with the first 5 kilometer of the race being a slow uphill climb with series of inclines and descents along the way which includes the Tandang Sora Flyover.  After the u-turn you get the course in reverse with slow downhill descent back to Quezon Circle and passing again through several inclines and descents along the way.

The Race

At first I was more worried about the parking than the race being not so geographically familiar with Quezon City.  I was able to get a nice parking space near the Quezon City Hall of Justice.  I did short runs of warmups and the regular stretching routine.  This race was more of a build up for longer runs so my main strategy was to run at a relaxed and steady pace throughout the race and just have fun.

I was not pace-conscious during this race and was more concerned in avoiding so much walking breaks and I was surprised when I saw my pace in Garmin. It was as flat as it can be with the blips just for short stops at the water stations.  I am used to running at a volatile pace sometimes starts strong, fade a little, recover and end strong but I'm happy I got to run at a pace I was able to sustain for the full 10K of the race and it was a decent time and a strong finish and most important of all I had fun.  Since Commonwealth is wide, there was enough room to run and it was a good thing that they did separate the 5K runners u-turn slot to add more running space for 10K, 21K and 42K runners.  It was a bit congested in the finish line but still tolerable since the 21K, 10K and 5K runners almost came at the same time due to the spacing of the gun start.   Hydration was spaced about 2 and a half kilometers apart and it was good I did have my hand held hydration.  It was a good run and the weather was cool for the whole duration of the race though the full marathoners did have a taste of rain.

Team Total Fitness Running

It was nice running with Team Total Fitness again with strong finishes in 10K and 21K categories with Andie and Richie finishing their first half marathon. Congrats to the whole team for another great race and given that we've just survived a very tough "From Tokyo with Love" a few days ago.   It's great running under the Total Fitness banner and being part of a team that trains hard and race harder.