I woke up this morning around 3:30am with a heavy feeling and a blank state of mind. Suddenly, all thoughts pop-up on my mind about the race. With start time of 6:00am, it would be a very hot race and I hope Botak will be true to their words (at least from the email I got from Franco of Botak) that there would be enough water stations. After a very short shower and breakfast, I went straight to The Fort where the race would start and got in there exactly 5:00 am. My plan for this race, as this will be my first 21k will be to finish it with no injury+have a decent finish of not more than 2:30. I think I achieved the former but the latter got lost somehow 
The race for 21k and 10k started exactly at 6:00am. As my intention was to have a decent time, I tried to pace with Luis who happens to be one of the fastest runner in the team. And boy I thought it was a bad idea to pace with him. He was just too strong and I have to signal to him that I would not be able to run with him anymore. There were many people running 21k this time and I got to meet one of the I Am Ninoy Runner named Jay. I tried pacing with him on the 9th kilometer but I have to stop due to stomach cramp I’m feeling that time. The route was especially challenging with so many uphills however the heat from the Sun (as the race started so late) started to take its toll on runners. Worst thing happened when water stations ran out of water, I think this happened on 3 or 4 water stations and some people even have to ask water from sari-sari stores. As for myself, I asked a group of construction workers working in one of the road-island to give me water to which they readily agreed. After 15th kilometer, this is where my feet started to give up. My feet were so wet due to my habit of putting water all over my body to combat heat. This causes water to get through my shoes, causing blisters on my feet which I carried through until finish line. Anyone can suggest a “water proof” socks?
The uphill road from Ayala going to The Fort area was one of the biggest challenge on that route. All runners from my perspective respected that stretch of road and NO ONE actually ran, they walked on it! At the C5 road with few kilometers left before finish line, there was water sprinkler and what could be the very last water station.
What I don’t like from this race is the lack of water from water stations. I passed around 4 water stations not being able to provide enough water. This is really a sign of irresponsibility on the part of race organizer. Starting 21k race at 6:00 am and not being able to provide water to runners can cause extreme dehydration and death.I hope they learn from this race to avoid being repeated on the next Botak race at Bagiuo where some takbo.ph peeps will be joining. Another thing worth mentioning was that water station also ran out of caps. I just hope that the race organizer save their face and their company’s reputation by doing some math on how to ensure there will be enough caps on their next Botak race. Please check Sir Jovie’s post on how to do this.
General Observations:
1. They lack enough personnel on water stations. Ideally, there should be at least 3 people taking water and additional 2 giving water to runners. They should have also prepared caps with water already filled up instead of starting to fill water as the runners passes by. This caused delay and pissed a lot of runners (me included)
2. When runners join public vehicles on a racing event, it’s a bad sign. They should have organized it in such away any sharing of same road never happens. I was almost hit by a BMW near the Market Market! area!
3. The most important part of the route was the Kalayaan fly-over going to the finish line. I hate the fact that the organizers didn’t bother to put any water stations in between and have the runners suffer from the heat of the sun. Note to Botak Race organizers, you are putting people’s lives at risk! Please do more planning, invest in water stations to save your face next time.
4. A 6:00am start race for 21km is too late. Please adjust it to an earlier time.
I was so pissed with the outcome of this race that I did not bother to spend longer to check several booths but went straight to my car and went home back to Cavite.
Lessons learned:
1. Build more stamina. I guess I badly need this if I want to conquer longer distances race-pace.
2. If you should pour water over your body, ensure that you it doesn’t go through your shoes to avoid blisters.
3. Include more runs on inclines/uphills.
4. If you should walk, try jogging instead.
With my finish time of 2:38 (21km), a dead toe nail and blisters, this race is a nightmare to remember and a lesson to learn from.
- Me wearing the Guinness World’s Shortest Shorts in the world
Me and Ultramarathoner Jerry aka as HighAltitude
Related posts:
rod
on May 10th, 2009
@ 3:13 pm:
yo sam! congrats on your first 21k.
kaya ako 1 official race lang per month. and i pick races na may beneficiaries and value for money.
sa dami ng races, puro pera-pera na ang nangyayari.
runnerforchrist
on May 10th, 2009
@ 11:44 pm:
Congrats…2.38 is not bad but if you can make it 1.50 or less the better. However, don’t overdo yourself and always “enjoy” each race. You aspire to finish a marathon this year, with it, you can build your “endurance.”
And maybe…Ultra next year?
God bless.
Wayne
on May 11th, 2009
@ 12:50 am:
Hi Sam. Congratulations on the 21K. The time is not important as it’s the fact that you completed it. I read your blog response on BR’s blog and it was unfortunate that there wasn’t enough water for you guys.
Anyway, congratulations again and good photos. Take care and have a good week ahead!
Wayne
runnersf.blogspot.com
admin
on May 11th, 2009
@ 1:25 am:
@rod: I should have selected 5k had I know this is what’s gonna happen.
@Runnerforchrist: Thanks man! This is actually my preparation for Bataan Ultramarathon next year. I will join 2 marathons this year, Quezon City International Marathon and Singapore Marathon on Dec. I hope things work fine
@Wayne: Thanks. Right, time is not important. I’m happy I’m injury free as I heard some runners had it as their first and last 21k*laughs*. Thanks sir!
Bong Ortiz
on May 11th, 2009
@ 1:53 am:
Congratulations Sam for completing your first half marathon. You showed courage and strength of character by continuing and finishing the race despite having blisters and stomach cramps. I welcome you to the club of die hard runners, what with you already preparing for 2 marathons this year and an ultramarathon next year.
My advise to avoid blisters, apply Bodyglide or any other anti blister and chafing stick on your toes and feet, on your inner thighs, nipples area. Also try to use running socks (not cotton) and have your shoes and feet checked, cause your shoes may be too narrow or too short, causing your toe nails to get squeezed specially in longer races. Take care, recover well and good luck on your next race.
bea santiago
on May 11th, 2009
@ 2:05 am:
Hi
I was there too! And I was also very disappointed and sooo upset! For a newbie runner (twas only my 2nd 5K) they should make it a good experience for us. Imagine, we had NO water stations for 5K. AND the marshal’s knew nothing, if you asked them questions. I too went home right away after I finished. I will be more personally prepared when I join another BOTAK run. I expected sooooo much from them! 
Bald Runner
on May 11th, 2009
@ 3:56 am:
next time, apply petroleum jelly (if there is no Body Glide in the market) on your feet, to include in-between your toes, before wearing your socks. try to look for running socks with the trade mark “CoolMax” or “DryMax”, these socks are blister-proof and popularly used by ultramarathoners. congrats for finishing your 1st half-marathon with a decent time & without any injury. in due time, you will improve your endurance level. good luck on your future road races.
dhenztm
on May 11th, 2009
@ 6:30 am:
Sam congrats on your desert race, er, I mean your 21K race! I think the organizers mixed up the water retention capabilities of humans with camels that’s why in their opinion their water stations were adequate. I salute you for finishing such a tough 21K, don’t worry it would be better next time, at least now you have the experience. Good luck and run safe!
Luis Arcangel
on May 11th, 2009
@ 8:19 am:
Sam, terrific finish on yesterday’s race despite the crushing conditions. Your first 21k hehe! I sorta feel bad that I paced you early though, it may have zapped you of the precious strength that could have been used later on. I was disappointed likewise that they started so late, it’s summer and to start at 6am is more or less a death knell. I wouldn’t even get into the lack of water. Anyway, you have earned the respect of the team for your will and determination out there bro. Lesser men would have quit. Let’s hope the next one would be better.
wilson
on May 11th, 2009
@ 2:07 pm:
congrats! not a bad time for a first 21k, especially considering how sucky the organization of this race was!
admin
on May 12th, 2009
@ 1:11 am:
@BaldRunner: I did apply Petroleum to my chest, near my underarm area but forgot to put one on my toes hahahaha! Thanks for the advice. Will join you guys on the next Bataan Ultramarathon next yr!
@Dhenz: Yeah my time was so bad I’m sure it will get better on my next 21k hahahah
@Luis: No I think it was a good learning experience. It gave me an idea that I do have to work on my stamina. Thanks man for allowing me to pace with you..on the first 2km of the race hahaha!
@Wilson: Thanks wilson on your comment and congrats on your 1st marathon.
Rodel Cuaton
on May 12th, 2009
@ 10:32 am:
Hey, Congrats! Nangyari na ang nangyari! Good thing natapos mo, galing! Next race ulit!
run unltd.
on May 22nd, 2009
@ 12:20 am:
Hey Sam, congrats for finishing your inaugural half. You should look at your experience in a positive way or else there would be a big impact in your future running endeavors. These kind of unfortunate events happen during races, so we better prepare ourselves. Good luck.