My Thoughts on New Balance Power Race held at The Fort – Nov 29
1. It was my intention to “race” this event to see if my previous back to back marathon would make me a faster, stronger runner or none at all. Luis invited me to a “group pace”, I asked for their target finish time, he said “sub 1:40″. Fine, maybe the “hatak” factor might help me at least improve my time. The group consisted of Patt, Luis,Jix,Mark and Marvin. Somehow I thought I was in the wrong group.
2. When 21km race started, I was expecting some sort of a countdown then a gunshot to signify the beginning of the race. Nada, all I heard was two shots of torotot (hornpipe) sound. Runners were laughing as they started their run. Who ever invented that idea was probably laughing on his own that morning.
3. Everything started smoothly, I noticed I seem to be the only runner from the group slowing down at all water stations to take water and then I would play catch up with them to sync with their pace. I always wonder how come I cannot survive more than 5km without water, these guys can probably run for 10km without water, me I cannot. damn it..
4. Wilson caught up with us near Net One Center and greeted us. This guy was amazingly fast. I fell into temptation to leave my pace group and pace with Wilson for few meters. But I cannot manage his speed, I found myself grasping for air. I slowed down and returned to my group’s pace. That guy must be telling himself “…Sam..marami ka pang bigas na kakainin”.
5. Along Lawton Avenue, I slowed down again to get water from the available water station. Extribe did a nice job of providing very long tables with bottled water and isotonic drinks. But I really hope race organizers stop using carbonated power drinks for races. Its not for everyone. I find myself pooping 5 times after the race because of the hammer gel-carbonated power drinks combo.
6. After conquering Bayani Road, the next road to conquer was Mc Kinley Hills. I remember Extribe did mention they have a surprise for us. This could be it, a punishment for 21km runners. They probably selected all the toughest road in this area of Taguig and made us runners “enjoy” it. I did enjoy it, but my legs didn’t.
7. In this area I caught up with Jix, pace with him for a few meters. And left him on my way up back to Lawton Avenue then to the Fort.
