Upon continuing the race from km50 after a long breakfast: My right knee hurts! I can’t bend my right knee! Immediately sent a text message to group mate Dhenz: Can I still finish the race within cut-off time if I just walk the remaining route?

The Street Party

Dhenz, Tina and I reached km0 post around 9:25pm. Upon reaching the area, I noticed the place was in very joyful fiesta-like atmosphere. We greeted fellow runners or “warriors” and had some photo-ops with other runners as well. As usual, the usual “KMO picture post” was never missed. (photos by Brandon Losario)

Jolibee was just a few meters away from km0 post and if you try to use their CR, you’ll know who would occupy that place most- the runners and not the customers As I was about to enter Jolibee to do my last pee, one of the customers tried to strike a conversation with me “Sir where’s the finish line?” When I told him the finish line would be in San Fernando Pampanga at km102, he replied “..that’s too far! I wish I could join you, my grandfather, a WWII soldier didn’t reached that far during the actual death march…”. I told him I’ll finish the race for his grandfather. He bowed his head, thanked me and wished me good luck.

On my way back to the km0 area, I noticed a different breed of runners. We were few yes, but the bond that sticks these “crazies” together was so different. The laughter, the conversations, photo-ops and several jokes flying around were so common. I was observing the facial reaction of one American runner; he looked so surprised as he scanned the area.

Program begins with a prayer led by Ronnie followed by singing of national anthems of USA and Philippines. I honestly thought it was BR’s practical joke when he mentioned the singing of Stars-Spangled Banner during CLP for this race, but was surprised that it did happen and he sang the American anthem! What followed was thunderous clap from fellow runners. This was followed by singing of National Anthem, and I noticed everyone was singing the national anthem, even hitting the high-notes, in perfect crescendo and tempo. It was surreal, but nice. Moments later, the race started and off we go!

The Race Begins

My group mates Tina, Dhenz and Glenn had a very “idealistic” pace plan. The plan was to reach km 50 in 7 hours at most, or less than that, and finish the race in sub 17 hours- if we’re all still together by that time.

We traversed the first 7 kilometers very conservatively. We walked all the uphills and maintained a 7-7:30min/km pace on flat road but ran 6:30min/km on downhills. I relied mostly on Dhenz as he got his Garmin to guide our pace. Rhoderick Guieb and Vener would soon join our team as we traversed the uphills in the first 7km of the race. As we traversed the road going to the mountain, I kept on adjusting my head lamp, checking the side road for some “creatures” that might be worth avoiding. The area was too warm even with trees around, I kept on looking at my handheld bottle as I notice I was sweating profusely and also drinking too much. I need to remind myself not to drink too much as the next stop would be on the 8th km.

As we exit the mountain area, our pace started to speed up. Dhenz must have considered me the most annoying runner that night as I kept on asking him of our pace. Glenn meanwhile would mysteriously disappeared from our pace from time to time but once we’re near our support van, he would just pop-up from our behind. The guy is full of surprises. Dhenz and I would just scratch our head wondering how the hell he did it. This would happen several times. Tina with her ipod would probably prefer to be running with her music, while Dhenz and I would trade stories every now and then. Its funny how majority of the runners would run side by side as they talked to their friends (me included), but once the marshal vehicle is near, we would remind ourselves to run in single column. We would joke around as Patt would outpace us and have to remind him of TNF race he’s going to join. Athan (SIM marathon last finisher, Rizal Day Run surprise runner) would receive some verbal threats from Dhenz and I as he would outrun us without even saying “hi” to us. It was suppose to be a joke with intention to add some fun for us. Indeed, running is boring especially in a very long race like this if you don’t have any companion running with you, unless you enjoy listening to your ipod more than human interaction.

Some “Misunderstanding” and Getting Bold

Dhenz and I would continue our run while chatting, eventually overtaking other runners and unknowingly leaving other team members behind. This wasn’t too much of a concern as we were trying to play “catch-up” of our target time but by km 15, an “issue” was raised that we were running too fast. It was not our intention to leave anyone behind, and I’m sorry to the party offended by our actions.

We were running comfortably until we stumbled upon Rodel and I thought the guy would never stop showing his upper body to us until we’re all tired of looking at it. We play a bit of concern to him and informed him that he might suffer later as the cold wind might do more harm to him than good.

We would also warn him of “preying” individuals who might chance upon him. Eventually, Dhenz would suddenly blurt “May karne, may karneng binebenta dito!” (e.g Meat, meat for sale here!). Rodel would eventually hurried his ass away from us.

An hour later, I was thinking of Rodel….And I would start complaining of heat… Then Dhenz would start complaining of heat too…. And then I started playing around the idea of running half-naked. I mentioned the idea to Dhenz. Dhenz seemed to love the idea. As we reached our support vehicle, we removed our shirt and ran our ass half-naked. It’s a good thing Rodel wasn’t around when we removed our shirts *laughs*

TheRunningNinja.com and RunningPinoy.wordpress.com boldrunners on the run! Photo by RJ

Upon Reaching km 50…

Dhenz and I continued our run until we reached km50 in 6hours and50 minutes. According to our plan, we have 45 minutes to spare to have our breakfast at this point. I maximized my time by immediately eating congee, drinking two cups of water and one hard-boiled egg. As the weather seemed to be nice that time of the day, I thought of maximizing it so I informed Dhenz that I would proceed ahead and wouldn’t wait for the support van to arrive. I started my walk while eating another serving of congee and then suddenly the support van arrived. I was just a few meters away from km50 so I went back and changed “evening” gear to “day” ones. I removed my CWX tights, changed into short shorts (but too lazy to remove my compression shorts) and wore my white Mizuno shirts.

My Day gear-photo by FitandRun.info

Dhenz and Glen were about to start their run but I felt the need to do number 2 in the nearest bathroom. Unfortunately it is unavailable as somebody is already using it. As I cannot wait further to unload, I went to the next room which looks like an office and asked the attendant if I could use her office bathroom. Alas the attendant informed me that she just cleaned it and put zonrox into their CR and wouldn’t want my crap to ruin the smell of her newly cleaned possession. As I don’t want to waste my time arguing with her, I just decided to continue my run and play catch up with Dhenz and Glenn who are already 200 meters away from me. However, before I proceed, I asked for my mp3 player then did my usual stretching exercises. Few moments later, I started my “warm-up” walk, with intention to continue my run after 2 minutes. However, the moment I stepped on my right-foot as I tried to propel myself forward for the usual “push-off”, my right knee refuses to bend! When I tried to force it to bend, it became very painful. I tried not to panic and think happy thoughts and tried another set of stretching exercises. I slowly try to continue my run however, bending my right knee became very painful.

For the first time in my life, I felt so helpless and vulnerable….to be continued…

Related posts:

1. Thoughts on Bataan Death March Test Run, DNF, and ITB
2. My First Ultramarathon Experience km0 (Luneta) to km56 (Tagaytay Rotonda)
3. Earth Run Post Race Report - The race with many firsts…

I’ve observed that all my 42km (four of them!) are not something I’m proud of. Yeah I did finish them all but always below my expectations. There’s always a part of me that is really dead set on improving my 42 km run. Signs of OCness? Hope not.

Three weeks ago, I met Cris Sabal (33rd Milo Marathon champion) and joked him if he could create a sample training program so that I could finally break the 4 hours barriel. The guy said yes but first suggested that I buy a race shoes. He said its not a good idea to use same road race shoes during training as they are heavier. I checked what shoes he was wearing that morning, a Mizuno Wave Aero 8. Weeks later, I bought myself a Mizuno Wave Aero 8 at their  outlet in Bonifacio High Street. While I do not expect to be in same calibre as him, at least we have something in common

Right now I’m training on either LunarGlide+,Adidas SuperNova and Nike Free; right off the bat I can say that I love Aero 8, for one because its the lightest running shoes I’ve ever worn. I tried this shoes several times in the oval and also tried once in the road. I noticed that its midsole is quite responsive and even felt a rock go through its outsole. I ran around DLSU-D campus and I observed that I could easily tell the difference between all the terrains I run on (asphalt, concrete, grass, rock trails, tiled bricks etc). Despite this feature, its extremely durable more so than any others I’ve worn. I was already able to run it over 50km on them and it seems to get better as I put more kilometers on it.

To be honest, I don’t think you can go wrong with Aero 8 if you’re looking for a racer shoes. From my experience, I’m very sensitive to what’s on my feet my body has a nagging tendency to let me know right away via minor injury if something on my feet is wrong. I could easily tell if I’ll have a nice running relationship with a shoes in 1 week of use  that if I don’t feel comfortable with it, the relationship is cut fast. This shoes didn’t disappoint me.

After BDM, this shoes will be my daily training buddy!

Related posts:

1. Mizuno Wave Inspire 4 Review
2. Phiten Necklace: Review
3. Mizuno Infinity Run 09

As I didn’t bring my hydration belt for this race, I stopped on all water stations and also did some ITB stretching, checking my watch from time to time to ensure I don’t spend more than 15 seconds doing it (adik mode). As I wore the other bib at my back with my name and blog URL on it, I would hear the following from other runners as I passed them one by one:

Sam, kamusta na injury mo?
Uy si RunningNinja nagparamdam!
Go Ninja go ninja go!
Sam, nice to see you back!
Pare si Ninja habulin nten!

The last made me ran faster, to which they followed me for more than 3km until they gave up. I finished the first 10km in 56 minutes and I thought, if my injury will not pop-up and cramps will not bother me, my evil plan of 4:15 will be a piece of cake.

Fate was not on my side that day and my evil plan didn’t materialize. A few meters from the first U-turn in the Skyway, I suffered cramps on my right calf. From my own experience, there are two cramps that I would usually experience during races. Cramps mabait – this is the kind of cramps that would made its presence known but I could easily shrugged it off by doing some stretching, walking, running slowly then off back to my race mode. Cramps malupit - this is the kind of cramps that would demoralize you physically and mentally. All male ego / kamachohan will go to hell once you suffered from it. You will suddenly stop, look at your legs, you will try to walk but you can’t because any movement will bring excruciating pain, you cannot stretch and you’ll have to spend some time in your current position until the pain goes away. Just like that.

The kind of cramps I suffered was the latter. Cramps malupit. This is the one wherein you could actually see your calf muscles contract or beats like the way your heart does in rhythmic patter. It was really painful and I have no choice but to stop, yell in pain and gently massage my right calf. At that point, I really wished I didn’t put that race bib at my back with my name and blog URL on it. So kaka talaga. One by one, runners whom I’ve overtaken would soon start catching up with me. I would hear some words of encouragement:

Jog mo lang Sam kaya yan!
Do some stretching and you should be fine
Walk Sam, walk!

Worst thing happened was when the same group of runners who decided to run after me which I’ve overtaken earlier now catched up with me and said “Oh Sam what happened? Wasak na?” I just laughed but really my ego was hurt. To that runner whom I’ll call RunnerS, I hate you hahahaha! Really I do.

With my 4:15 target now out of my target, I decided to run the remaining distance at Ultramarathon pace. The plan was to run slowly for 5 minutes and walk for 3 minutes. Occasionally I would encounter some pain near my left knee which I’ve mistaken for ITB but it was not as it would easily disappear after stretching.

The last 5 kilometer as we were approaching the finish line, I decided to make myself more useful by cheering first time marathoners and friends. Finally I crossed the finish line at 5: 20. It’s still a PR for me but really I was not after a record-breaking performance. This race proved that I’m indeed ITBS free and I’m ready for my first UltraMarathon race next month!

Congratulation to all first time marathoners! My hats off to Bryan and Carly who managed to finish their debut Marathon with decent time of 4:12 and 4:23 respectively. Also to competetive biker friend Whreachelle Cardova who finished at 4:30 for her first marathon. You feat is remarkable!  You guys will serve as an inspiration for future first time marathoners. Many thanks to Reiner/takbo.ph support station and finally to the Lord whom we’re all eternally blessed and grateful.

Kitakits sa susunod na takbuhan!

Related posts:

1. Just Another Condura Related Post
2. My Greenfield City Experience
3. My First Ultramarathon Experience km0 (Luneta) to km56 (Tagaytay Rotonda)

Once I got hold of my race kit the first thing I did is looked for my race bib, for that is what really matters to me. Funny how I didn’t notice the absence of barcode number in my race bib. Inside the envelop, I saw a femine wash (Lactacyd), a reflector, Nature Valley bar, Condura Shirt (looks way better than before), PhilStar newspaper clippings of Condura 2009 and AkoMismo dog tag. I’m actually expecting a lot of free marketing stuffs there, but a feminine wash? The following conversation took place:

Me: Mam I don’t use Lactacyd….oks na sken kahit SafeGuard soap na lang (laughs sheepishly)
Race Staff: Okay lang yan syo, effective sken yan (looks seriously)
Me: ……….

Few hours later, old and new members of Takbo.ph went for a carbo loading exercise- ‘eat all pasta till you die’ at Joey Pepperoni in Fairways Tower. There were more than 80 individuals who showed up. This CLP is the most attended of all the CLPs I’ve joined, goodness I don’t even know 40% of the people in there!

As for those of you who are wondering what I will do on Sunday, I plan to run my 4th marathon comfortably. I like to believe I’m completely healed of ITBS (2 weeks recovery period is PR!), however upon the suggestion of well-meaning friends, I should run this at ultramarathon pace to avoid further injury. Makes sense, my first 102km Ultramarathon is just a month away! Don’t want to risk for another injury!

There are few things here I will first try that I haven’t done before. I will wear a running shorts and will bring no hydration belt. My impression why I suffered from ITBS was that my CWX tights is limiting my knee bend into 20-30 degree which might have aggravated my ITB. By wearing just a running shorts, I have complete freedom to bend my knees higher, my back kick will be higher which will hopefully help me propel forward faster with less effort. I will not wear my hydration belt as I believe that there will be hydration station every 1.4 - 2 kilometers. Part of my strategy then is to walk near those water station and do some stretching on my ITB as I stop for water.

Hopefully on Sunday, I will not suck unlike all the previous 42km marathons I’ve joined. Wish me luck and hope to see you all on Sunday.

Again, no pressure…I will enjoy this race!

Related posts:

1. The Condura Experience

Outstanding! That was the first word that came out as I crossed the line. The joyous atmosphere, runner’s high feeling, loot bag, seeing tired but very happy 21km runners, I thought to myself that one day, I will run 21km and will try 42km. Who would have thought that one year after my first 5km race, I will soon venture into ultramarathon- The Bataan Death March Ultramarathon 102km race.

Nothing stopped me from achieving and improving my runs. After several failures, I trained for each race I joined. A sub 1 hour for 10km, check! Sub 1:25 for 15km, check! Sub 2 hours for 21km, check! This I achieved because of my very first run, the desire to improve becomes a challenge I cannot ignore. I hope people who will be running their very first road race on Sunday will follow the same path I’ve experienced.

Death. Due to running, I experience my first “death”. Dead toe nail that is. Check this blog entry for the details. What I’m really talking about was because of Condura, my binge eating habit, my once fat self who can’t run straight because I was too heavy, my shallow breathing because of lack of cardio activity… is now gone, they are now part of my past, they are all dead and I don’t want them to come alive and hunt me.

Until you’ve empowered yourself to be able to just run, you’ll enjoy running more, and you’ll probably do it more often. On Sunday, I plan to enjoy my 42km run and remove all the pressures to “perform” according to my standards, well, help me God.

Reality soon strikes me that I cannot run alone. I tried joining a running group to help me achieve my goals. I remember I saw them during my first Condura Race, they were all happy, noisy and they seem to enjoy each others company.

If ever my ITB screw up on Sunday and end up walking the entire 42km race, I promise my self to start my own group, Lakad.ph. Bwahahahahaha!

And if you’re still reading this part, I salute you. I thought I bore you to death. However, I wanna see you all alive and kicking on Sunday so I’m going to end this post.

See you all on Sunday!

No related posts.

What to do when you’re bored and can’t run? Do the following:

1. Kill a few Flies. I catched them with a net and drown them on water.
2. Put them in the sun to dry for one hour.
3. Once they are dry, pick a pencil and paper… Let your  imagination flow.

Here are a few examples…

The tall guy is Alfred, the smaller one is ahem..

One of the things I love to do when I was a kid.

Possibly Natz, Wilnar and Luis racing towards the finish line. I’m the guy standing there, injured eh.

No related posts.

There are two arguments to this statement..

1. Agreeing on that it will make you stronger…
So more experiences throughout life may hurt you more and more… and when in the process of getting hurt, you are somehow less vulnerable every time it hits… It makes you more aware of life, and you can learn from your mistake and avoid’em next time around, but that doesnt mean that you will get hurt less… but it does make you stronger and ready to fight it faster. Been there, done this, done that! So really… lots of bad experiences in life does make you stronger…. IF it doesn’t kill you first

2. Disagreeing on that it will make you stronger…
Say that some people get into an injury (eg. ITB) and then are left disabled for life! Not just injury, but also some diseases too… Take dementia for example. A person’s mental state will deteriorate… translation = it is affecting the mental state but doesn’t really kill you.. and even when trying to fight it… you are not getting any stronger!!

For the most part.. I think I agree… maybe when going down the hill you don’t like the process, and you feel rather weaker than stronger… then when you beat it.. you become stronger… now think for a moment, what does it make you stronger for? For the next time it hits?

I met coach Salazar hours ago and gave me a nice deep muscle tissue massage that left me grimacing in pain during the session. As someone allergic to most anti-pain medications, I’ve brazed all forms of physical pain. However this session by coach Salazar caught me by surprise. I do hope it will help. Let’s see.

While I’m now seating my ass and probably will not run for the next two days, I shall incorporate core strengthening to avoid getting fat. I really hope I recover soon, I must run Condura and BDM!!

Wish me luck!

Related posts:

1. Thoughts on Bataan Death March Test Run, DNF, and ITB

As we’ve been told that the first 7km would all be uphills, my strategy was to run it at a very comfortable pace. Take note that Sir Jovie gave us a hint that we can walk the entire 7km, but I guess very few really did that, and that includes me. I ran most part of the entire 7km route, patting myself on the back each time I overtake a runner. Alas this “thrill” would likely to be short-lived as I would suffer in the latter part of the race. Soon after, Tina (the only runner who chicked me last Rizal Day Run, and chicked me in this race and ended up being the fastest women in this test run) would join me and together we were able to run 22km using her 20:5 (20 minutes continuous run followed by 5 minutes walk) then shifted to 30:5 strategy. I stopped several times to hydrate (I perspire ALOT) and also stopped twice to stretch my left knees. I must admit I felt like a pain in the ass for Tina as she only stopped whenever I stopped. Twice she even offered her own handheld bottle for me during the time we were running together. God knows how embarrased I must have felt when I realize I couldn’t keep up with her anymore. As we were approaching km23, I sent her a text message to continue her run. It was a good thing Glen and another runner was around to keep her company. Now I’m on my own and have to deal with my issue.

One of my “issues” when I run is that my ITB on my left knee would hurt when I stop to walk or run very slow. I usually would encounter this during LSDs or during my own run from dasma to tagaytay. I would simply ignore it as the pain would just disappear after each LSD session. I didn’t encounter this on my last 3 races (New Balance, Celebrity Run, Rizal Day) as I ran these races for PR.

I shall meet with Coach Salazar tomorrow for a nice deep tissue massage on my left knee to ease the pain and ask for some tips to avoid the pain. Any former ITB sufferers here, please comment!

Now what’s my plan? I will try not to run for one week. Yep, an impossiblity that I should really consider this time. I strongly believe my case is just “minor” and so I hope to join this midnight run (12am-6am) that sir Jonel cooked up weeks ago.

I would like to thank Gail and Captain Tere for the support vehicle, you guys did the Lord’s work for us thank you! I wanna thank Angel Henson for his volunteer work to do the driving for us, although I was really fearful for my life every time you overtake several vehicles along the way. I wanna thank as well Marga, Capt Tere,Carina,Angel and Gail for the support you offered to us. They were the ones who kept asking us during the entire run if we need anything else. Your dedication will never be wasted and I hope to be one of the support guys for you in the future. I love you guys!

Related posts:

1. 2nd Bataan Death March Ultramarathon Race-My Adventure (1st Part of 2)
2. New Balance Power Race - Thoughts and Others

January 10, 2010:

The Mizuno Running Expo will feature top running athletes such as Olympian Henry Dagmil, SEA games athlete Neil Ducusin, distinguished running coaches Ige Lopez, Patrick Joson and Peter Gonzales, renowned race organizer Rudy Biscocho and other known personalities in the running community.

These experts will help expo participants understand more about the competitive running form, proper hydration and nutrition, latest technology and gear, and other vital information to help them get the most out of their running season.

April 11, 2010: Mizuno Infinity Race – the country’s first-ever race bannering a challenge to runners to “Beat Your Own Time.” Registration is at 400 pesos for the 5/10K and 450 pesos for the 15K. You can register for the Mizuno Infinity Run at the following Mizuno stores: Boni High Street, Megamall, Festival Mall, Mall of Asia, Trinoma and Magallanes.

Watch out for the launch of Creation 11 – the official shoe for the Mizuno Infinity Race. Runners will get their race packets for free upon purchase of Creation 11. This is on top of the generous freebies that Mizuno and partner sponsors have prepared.

The Mizuno Infinity Run Expo is made possible in cooperation with Oakley and Gatorade. Its partners include Mail and More, Suunto, and Manila Water. Master Sports Corporation also thanks the following sponsors: Doctor J, Derm Plus Sunblock, Citgo, and BMG Solar and media partners RunnerSpeak, Run Radio on NU 107, Men’s Health and Women’s Health.

Please visit www.mizuno.ph or call 757-3160 loc 515 for more details.

Related posts:

1. Mizuno Year End Sale 09
2. Mizuno Infinity Run 09
3. Running Ninja Will Run for a Cause!

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. 2nd Bataan Death March Ultramarathon Race-My Adventure (1st Part of 2)
2. Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 : Race Preparation
3. Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 Post Race Report