Run for Home Ready

I'm almost sure that excitements starts to shoot up among runners as the race kit for the Run for Home Race on Sunday were out yesterday. We were part of the runners who have pick up their race kits amidst strong rains at the BHS yesterday. The addition of the timing chip makes it more exciting for the runners because it will be the first time that such timing chip will be used in races here in the Philippines. We just hope that it will be a fine weather come race day... not to hot but not raining hard either. See you runners at the starting line!

Swthrt **** ***** ****Bro J

July 9, Sports Spectrum - Training Table

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Colossians 3:23

WHO ARE YOU RUNNING FOR?

While I was running track, there were many times when practiced was unsupervised. One time I remember in particular was on a freezing, rainy Saturday. The practice was twelve 300m repeats and was a relatively easy one. But the thought of being on the track for over an hour in the rain wasn’t too enticing, so we decided, as a team, to cut the workout in half. The coach was not there—he wouldn’t find out. Well, he never did. But we still made the wrongdecision!

Although the choice of whether or not to finish the workout isn’t very significant in the whole scheme of life, the implications of that decision are important. We showed ourselves not to be trustworthy on that cold Saturday. The decisions we make are a true measure of our character, because ultimately everything we do should testify of the love we have for God!

If you have the choice between taking the easy way out or doing the right thing—take some time to think. What if God was your coach, your teacher, or your boss—which choice would you make? In reality, God is our ultimate coach, our ultimate teacher and our ultimate boss.

We must follow His instructions.
—Brooke Thompson

Another Home to UP Runabout

Last Saturday, July 11, Swthrt and I had another runabout from our place to UP Diliman via Katipunan Road and then C.P. Garcia. We then ran a bigger loop (not the usual academic oval)inside UPD before having a 3 minute pitstop at the bikers tambayan near Palma Hall to replenish our hydration bottles. We then proceeded home via Katipunan Road then Boni Serrano Road completing a 17K run in 2:25 (including the pitstop). Hopefully this practice run will boost Swthrt's confidence on Sunday's Run for Home 21K.

Our route, distance calculated using Google Earth.

My 33rd Milo Marathon experience

This edition of the Milo Marathon was my second time to join and have experienced many firsts. This was the first time Milo have placed a 21K event for the Manila elimination which I joined. My first time to drink my cup of Milo after the race. It was also my first time to receive freebies from them. The last time I joined the Milo marathon was during the finals of the 32nd edition where I only joined the 10K event category. It was really a great experience to join this race.

The race plan
There was not much race preparation or game plan for me on this race. All I wanted was to beat the cut-off time of 2:30 set for the 21K event. This was my 2nd half marathon race and looking back, I was not as prepared as my first half marathon, the Condura Run 08. I once told Swthrt that I was never tensed coming into this race. 2-3 days before, I was already mentally preparing myself imagining how the race should be.

with Alwyn before the race

The race day
My cousin Alwyn, who will also be running the 21K agreed to meet us ( Swthrt was with me to give the moral support) at Honda Cars Pasig. We decided to just take a cab going to Roxas Blvd. This would take away the hassle of finding a safe place to park a car. We arrived at the place at around 5:00am. We met with friends who will also be joining the race.

with Jet Paiso and friends before checking in

The race started on time and it was a good start for me. I was at pace with Alwyn and Christy (Run Unlimited’s better half) up to EDSA flyover. I was on my own after the first turning point for 21K at the intersection of Roxas Blvd and NAIA Rd.. I tried to maintain a pace of 7min but I was not able to do it. I had an erratic pace ranging from 6:40 – 10:20 min/k. Anyway, I was still keeping track of my total time while I was running. I reached Km 10 after 1:05:44 and was quite confident that I can make within the cut-off time. As I reached the Osmena Hi-way, I began to feel that my right calf was starting to cramp. I felt slightly worried about it and slowed down on my pace. I kept away from the shower station along the way at Buendia thinking that this might aggravate the cramp I felt on my calf. I was running along Buendia Ave. singing praise and worship song to God. As I ran back to Roxas Blvd, I tried to speed up to the point where I would felt stiffness on my calf. Every time it happened I either slowed down or took a walk break. After turning right at Roxas Blvd going to the finish line, I started picking up targets (sorry guys but this would help me push my self) to catch up with. I reached the area where we started at 2:23:52 knowing that a still have 6 min to make it to the finish line. As I took the final turn and saw the finish line I knew I can beat the cut-off time. I tried to push more and heard Swthrt shouting as I entered the shoot. I finish with an unofficial time of 2:26:+.

approaching the finish line

After the race
It was a relief reaching the finish line within the cut-off time and being handed the finisher certificate and the freebies. I think this was also the first time that they have this generous giveaways for the finishers. It was also handed out orderly as they were given upon crossing the finish line. I also had my first cup of Milo after the race. Hooray for Milo!

after the race

with Roselle (aka Running Diva) after the race

with Swthrt, Thank you for the support, I love you!

To God be the glory!

Photo Talks _ Takbo.ph and Reinier Pacific Aid Station