Days before my 2nd marathon, I had internal issues I have to deal with. I thought of using this race as my emotional punching bag, release all frustrations, let go of negative thoughts and just run to achieve that sub 4:30 finish time I’ve been dreaming off.
The Inquiry
Knowing how badly I suck during my first marathon three months ago because of hydration issues, I called Eventologist office(SIM race organizer) few weeks before the race to ask for their hydration plan. I was told by the lady who answered the phone that there would be water stations every 2.5km. That water will be served for the first 20km and water, Pocari sweat, biscuit, chocolate, banana from 20km onwards. At least that was the plan. I thought serving just water for the first half of the race sounds wrong (runners need electrolyte too!) so I sent an SMS to somebody from the race organizer to verify this. He was short of saying the info I got was wrong and that hydration plan is according to “international standards”. I was asking for specifics but was always reminded that the race’ hydration plan is according to “international standards”. At least that was what I was told.
Later I was told by Eo that power drinks will be served after 15km. I disposed of the water content on my 2 bottles and put Gatorade instead (thanks Luis). Following experienced marathoner sir Jim Lafferty’s marathon tips regarding hydration, my plan was to drink half sports drink from my bottle and the other half from the water being served for every 2.5km. Once my two bottles are empty, I would refill both with sports drink on the next water station. Yup, stopping at each water station is part of my marathon plan. If things go accordingly, I could easily just bypass the 5th water station (12.5km mark) and fill up my bottles with power drinks in the 6th water station (15 km mark) and continue with this cycle through out the race. I wasn’t anticipating empty water stations because this is an “international” marathon…How I was so wrong…..
The Travel
As advertised from SIM website , we are supposed to be at Remi field inside SBMA by 1pm (I honestly thought I read somewhere that 2 pm is the deadline, anyway..) where a bus would take us all the way to the Floridablanca exit where the race would start. Together with takbo.ph gangsters namely Rico, Wilnar, BY, Eo and Edu, we reached Remi field around 2:10pm and hurriedly took our seats near the back section of the bus. I met Sir Jun and idol Wilson whose orange handkerchief headband looks attractive (sorry man I really have to write about that hehehehe). I seated next to Gigi and I noticed she was the only female runner inside that bus. We talked about our race preparations and some other stuff and during that one hour travel along the 42km route we were suppose to run, she would anxiously inform me that she hasn’t seen any water stations at all. I noticed it too but I tried not to dwell too much on it as I’ve been informed that the organizer’s hydration plan was according to “international standards”. However, I can’t help but differentiate it from what I saw from previous races I’ve joined wherein water stations were already setup several hours BEFORE the actual race. We reached the place around 3pm and we spent the remaining time chatting with other runners including Kodak moments.
The Race
Few minutes before gun start, Craig of Team Logan would lead the prayer asking The Lord for blessings, guidance and safe run. He would be running his first marathon together with son Justin on stroller. After an oath taking ceremony lead by Sir Jovie, the race started just on time.
The race started smoothly. I was running comfortably at even pace, not too fast but not to slow. As I originally planned, I drank half-cup of water and half sports drink from my bottle at each water station. I noticed that the tables are not of “international standards”, they were too short for hundreds of marathoners that day, but at least I was happy they do have water. Not until I reached the fourth water station, the beginning of my hellish experience will soon begin from here…
to be continued..
