I joined this race for the following reasons:

1. To run inside Camp Aguinaldo - national headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
2. To “race” a 32km route. This will help me finally end my own speculation that I totally suck at longer distances over 21km. My target for this race is a sub 3:30 (a very conservative target time based from a 1:56 finish time - 21km Philstar run), if I finish the race beyond this target time then I know I can’t be trusted at 42km.
3. To run with fellow hard-core runners. As 32km run is something not all newbie runners will try to participate, I was expecting a small crowd. But when I got in there, there were more or less 300 runners that show up, a very respectable crowd for a very long run.
4. To burn excess calories gained from previous days eating binge. I lost 19lbs according to the official result of BLC (Biggest Loser Competition-takbo.ph edition 3rd prize winner), but after the competition I gained more than 6 lbs already. I hope joining this race will give me a head start to runing longer distances as part of my regular habit for next year.
5. To commemorate the 113th Death Anniversary of our National Hero, Dr Jose Rizal. He was 35 years old when he was executed. I really wish BR made this a 35km run instead *laughs*
6. To experience a BR organized race and join a boodle fight! BaldRunner is like a running authority here in this country. When he speaks, everybody listens. I just thought I should experience a run organized by him to see if he can “walk the talk”.

After picking up Gab and Pojie along the way, we reached Camp Aguinaldo around 5am. I didn’t have much time to warm-up as I enjoyed the various pic taking with Takbo.ph team and saying hello’s to fellow runners. As expected, I may not know the names of some runners there but I noticed majority of the runners there were familiar people you would expect from regular road runs in Manila. I immediately noticed a long table with cups filled with San Miguel beer with Doc Marvs starting to make a scene by accidentally dropping one San Miguel bottle. That would be his hydration plan for the entire 32km I guess.

It was a bit dark inside the starting line with BR thanking various groups/individuals who helped made the race possible. A few minutes before the start of the race, BR started by singing the National Anthem. It was my first time to hear national anthem being played before a race so I thought it was cool. What made the singing of national anthem much cooler was that BR was the one leading the singing of the National Anthem. I noticed every one singing the national anthem, and so I sang the anthem, hit the high notes as well and ended it with a bang! The count-down started with BR purposely interrupting the count-down to add excitement to fellow runners.

According to the race map, the route is very simple, just run around the camp four times (each loop 7km) and the 4 km more to make up the 32km race. The  first loop was covered in total darkness and I was surprised there was not enough lights on the post for the runners. However this was covered by fellow runners who would warn other runners by shouting “humps” to warn runners at the back. It was a show of maturity among fellow runners and I’m glad we were evolving into much more concerned individuals. Jose Rizal would be happy to witness that if he was running with us that day (that would be spooky though).

As this was my first time to run a 32km race, I decided to run the first loop at conservative pace as compared to previous races where I would easily jump within 5:20-5:45 pace to jumpstart the run. I would then start to run faster on the second loop and try to maintain that speed the entire race.  I saw BLC top winner Bryan running very fast and I shouted at him that I would just catch him later. After the first loop, I started running faster, slowly overtaking runners and greeting familiar runners along the way. First victim was Rodel, I was so close to the idea of slapping his ass but that would probably pissed him off I just made my presence known when I reached him. I then greeted fellow takbo.ph member Rod and  BLC participants Gab whom I noticed seems to run faster than usual. I was able to catch up with fellow townmate Tina  and her friend. Also saw Luis pacing Abby. Saw Bards and Dingdong (whom I always mistakenly call Dave)

After the first loop, on the first U-turn near the grand-stand I greeted Tina. On the same spot after the 2nd loop I greeted her again. On the third loop, she was nowhere to be found on the same spot and so I thought she probably slowed down. I was shocked (actually surprised) when I found out she was just right behind me and this time with Glen (another finisher Luneta-Tagaytay run). Tried to pace with them but I found the duo a lot faster. Tina would be the only female runner who “chicked” me that day.

Entering the finish line, somebody tried to run with me. I tried to increase my pace to sprint and overcome the said runner however a sudden cramp on my left leg would attack me and so I gave that little race to the guy. I crossed the line after 3:06 according to my watch.

Lots of beers would greet us runners and I drank half of a bottle to satisfy my post-carbo need. FYI, the carbon dioxide in beer helps quench thirst more quickly, while the carbohydrates replace some of the calories lost through exercise. I only drank half as I have a low tolerance for alcohol, plus I would be driving all the way back to dasma..cavite. A lechon was also prepared for us and also ate some. Bottled water was also served. Best of all, ice cream in sticks was served, I probably consumed 5 of them in less than 20 minutes.

After the race, we went to Capt. Terre’s office for boodle fight! Takbo.ph members were there to celebrate the run and we didn’t start until all the members were in.

A general consensus among Garmin users informed me that the route was short by 2km. I couldn’t care less, I still enjoy the run, a very decent run for a cost of php250. I remember then somebody saying not to expect a first class race paying third world registration fee. This race proved it wrong. A medal, finisher’s shirt, lechon, lots of ice cream, bottle water and beers after the race is something you don’t expect from regular races. Long tables with cups already filled with water, gatorades and Fit and Right fruits in cups were served too. What a race to end this year!

With a decent finish time of 3:06, I strongly believe a sub 4:30 (my “real plan” is a sub 4:15) on Condura on February is doable. See you all next year!

All photos taken from Brian and PhotoBrando.

Related posts:

1. Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 : Race Preparation
2. Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 Post Race Report
3. 2nd Bataan Death March Ultramarathon Race-My Adventure (1st Part of 2)
4. EarthRun 2009 Race Result is Out!
5. Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 Race Results

Tags: Rizal Day Run