The Bull Runner Dream Marathon 2013

Six months ago, I started my training for my first full marathon. I initially used the training program included in my welcome kit but since it was designed for a beginner I started looking for a training program online. Good thing a friend gave me an individualized training program. I thought it would match my ability minus getting bored.

Although I tried hard to stick to my program I cheated most of the time. I knew it wasn’t something to be proud of but there were just so many things goin on that I couldn’t stick to it. Long weekend runs were taken for granted. What made things worse, I gained weight after the holidays so come January I was obsessed in trying to lose weight. Crunch time combined with diet resulted to unhealthy me.

While I felt physically unprepared my mind asserted otherwise. Tiwala lang, I would always remind myself. Things changed though when I met my fellow Dreamers at the send off party. I realized everyone seemed emotionally and physically ready that I thought pushing through with TBR DM was a not so good idea.

And then finally here comes the BIG DAY…

I was glad I joined Dream Run in September so getting to Nuvali was no longer a problem. Although I knew I could handle it alone, I decided it would be nice to be with friends for the much needed support. Two of my trusted students went with me. We left Cabanatuan City at around 5:00pm and got to Cubao at 9:00pm, just in time for the last trip to Balibago. During the trip, I desperately tried to sleep to no avail. I just couldn’t. I realized the team should have travelled early in the morning so that gives me ample to rest. I should have. I should have.

 

The team stayed in Mc Donalds. My students were hungry and we had to wait for someone too. We decided to just stay there until midnight. Besides we doubted if we could find a room when there was a huge event in Nuvali the following day. Again, bad idea. I lacked sleep.

Past twelve and we decided to go to Nuvali. Music volume was at max. I could barely hear my own voice. Or I guess I was just too nervous. And before I head off to the start area, I did my last minute rituals. There wasn’t enough time but I knew I had to. My anxiety was eating me up.

When I thought I somehow knocked my anxiety out, I, along with my students went to the start area. I took my time chip which was personally handed to me by the organizer herself – Jaymie Pizzaro. Once I fastened it on my right ankle my students and I had a big group hug. After which, I joined my fellow runners for a prayer. I couldn't remember how long it took but somehow it felt so surreal that when I opened my eyes I stepped on the blue mat – and the race began...

Galloway all the way…

I knew I lacked training. And if there was one thing I was holding on to, it was only tibay ng loob. Of course, that wouldn’t make me finish my first marathon alone. Thus, I decided to scrimp and save my energy. I thought it would be best to do Galloway from the start to finish. It was 4-1; four-minute run and one-minute walk. I stuck to it until I reached KM5 and I thought I was bored. So I decided to run the next 5K at an easy pace without stopping. Good thing I had a bottle of Pocari handy. I knew there were enough water stations but I just needed something to hold, somehow the bottle became my company. Remember the ball made of coconut in Castaway?

Girl Scout Promise—Laging Handa

I wore running shorts with pockets. I thought I could use my pockets in bringing stuff I might need along the way. So I kept a small jar of Vaseline in my right pocket while in left was a tiny bottle of Omega Pain Killer. Thanks to Marlon who reminded me to bring pain killer. I started using it as soon as I hit KM10. The Vaseline also saved me from chaffed inner thighs.

Dream Chasers

I’d say TBR DM was the best race I have joined so far. Every runner was treated extra special. Although unlike other runners who tagged their whole running team and friends with them, I only had my two trusted students with me. But I never felt alone or sad along the way because there were many Dream Chasers. Plus, their posts where strategically placed in routes where the runners needed a boost. They handed the runners chocolates, banana, chips, energy gel, and they cheered for every everyone on top of their lungs. I bet my fellow runners would agree if I say we needed it.

KM 32

The Galloway continued. I hung on to 4:1. However, having not included even at least one 32K in my training I felt I was about to hit the wall. See, my cheating part had taken its toll. Putting my foot in front of the other seemed impossible. Plus it was around that area where there were slopes. Going down was easy but going up was near impossible. I thought it was time to prolong my recovery period so I decided to do 3-2; three-minute run and two-minute walk. Along the way I kept on reminding myself that I only needed to cover 10K. If I could cover 21K then 10K would be a piece of cake. Hahaha so talk about self-reverse psychology!

Last 4K

The last 4K seemed to be the most difficult part. There was a twist in the route. Runners had to turn right and make one loop before heading to the finish line. The Finish Line was few just hundred meters away if I head on but of course I needed to turn right. I had to remind myself that if 10K was a piece of cake the 3K was… was… was… It was around this time when everything seemed challenging. And to my horror it rained. Although it somehow refreshed my body, my shoes and clothes became damp that gave me an uneasy feeling. I had to apply Vaseline on my inner thighs again to avoid chaffing.

Fellow Runners

When I registered for TBR DM I only knew one fellow runner; Belle. In fact she was the one who encouraged me to join TBR DM. And since I was not able to attend in any of the running clinics my network was limited. However during the race everyone seemed to be my long time friends. We cheered for one another. Every time I ran past a limping runner I asked him if he needed help. The same thing happened to me when I had to stop and apply Vaseline. Just the thought of making sure everyone was okay was enough to inspire and motivate someone. I may not meet those runners whom I shared road on my first marathon but they will forever be cherished. I will forever be thankful for being extra nice. Two things I realized: being nice is contagious and it isn’t difficult to be one.

Photogs

Another thing I loved about TBR DM was the gazillion of photographers (now that’s exaggerated). But kidding aside, there were so many photographers everywhere. So who didn’t want nice photos? For someone maarte like me, I would want photos of me smiling beautifully despite the struggle. So I guess somehow the photographers motivated me to go on. At one point I was battling with myself whether or not to prolong my walk break but when I spotted a photographer, I decided I should run. Hahaha

Finish Line

Just before I had my final right turn, I came across Team Logan. “You can finish it under 6 hours. Go for it!” were the words of Craig. One could guess it was definitely the sweetest. With my right knee aching I did my final kick. I could hear cheers of admiration from the onlookers which made me run faster. I ran with my remaining strength with a big smile on my face. It was like a scene taken out from a movie – and the world around me stopped moving, all I could heart was my heart beat, I was running towards the finish line on a slow motion with my both hands raised as if praying and glorifying God for helping me conquer that freaking 42 kilometers. (Okay, that was so dramatic. But who could blame me, finishing a marathon itself was a dramatic experience.) As soon as I crossed the finish line I looked up and the time read 5:58:11.

PS

Ms Jaymie, it was definitely a life-changing experience. Words are not enough to thank you for all your efforts in coming up with the best race for first time marathoner. Every single thing about DBR DM will be cherished. And I shall always boast of being part of  TBR Dream Marathon 2013. 

Run4Kids

I have been running for a little over a year. When people ask me why I am so into it I say it keeps my body healthy and fit. I join races mainly because of the benefits I get from it; NO Ms. Universe-like reasons such as to save mother earth or run to save lives.

But this time, it was a different kind of story. It was the first race which I supported and became part of not because of what I could get from it but because it was the only race which objective I found genuine – the Run4Kids.

Run4Kids was organized and made possible by the University Student Council of the university where I teach. I initially agreed to be the host of the event but when I saw the medal, I decided to run too. Marlon, one of my runner friends, was to help me with my pace. (Yay, I admit, I'm a lazy runner!)

When I got to the university, I immediately went to the stage to help out my partner. Not long after, 10K runners were asked to assemble at the start area. Marlon and I patiently waited for the gunstart. As soon as it went off we sprinted off. It was a rather fast pace. I knew I’d tire up soon. But I realized there were three girls ahead of us. Our goal was to run past them before we slow down to recover. Thus, it was a relief when we finally did. We ran past the two girls but one of them was just too fast. I decided it would be futile to catch up since she was hundred meters away from me.

Along the way I kept on asking for walk breaks. Good thing Marlon didn’t push me hard. I was not used to a faster pace in longer distance (I told you, I am lazy runner.). But from time to time I would check the female runner behind me. See, I really wanted to win. Soon enough we were nearing the finish line. I was overjoyed when realized I bagged Second Place with a time of 57 minutes. A mean feat!

PS

Thanks to my pacer. 

Condura Skyway Marathon 2013

In Economics, I learned that people face tradeoffs. To get one thing, I have to give up something else. Making a decision requires trading off one goal against another. Thus, when I started running I thought I would have to give up travelling. I thought running and travelling are two activities I couldn't do at the same time.

MYTH. In fact running makes me travel. Yesterday, my fellow runners Christian, Phillip, Marlon, Kuya Jojo, Teri and I went to Filinvest City to join Condura Skyway Marathon. Okay, so I was no longer the only girl this time. Teri, a mountaineer/runner was with us.

When we got to the venue, I wasn’t surprised to see thousands of runners sporting the white and blue tech shirt. After all I belonged to Wave F. Teri, however, belonged to Wave B while the rest of the boys belonged to Wave E. I wanted to run with the boys so I sneaked to Wave F crowd while the marshalls were busy checking other stuff. Haha

While we were waiting for the gunstart, my friends and I exchanged pleasantries and wished each others’ safety. Soon enough we heard the gunstart. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up with their pace so I decided to stick to my pace. I started really slow. I didn’t want to use up all my energy that soon. I didn’t get enough sleep the previous night so I thought pushing myself too hard might cause me to tire out soon. Good thing though Glenn, an acquaintance from Cabanatuan was also taking things slow. We ran side by side with a really slow pace. But when I thought my body was ready to speed up, I decided to increase my speed. 

Along the route I noticed the flickering of lights of the buildings. From afar, it looked like fireflies with different colors dancing to the rhythm of the early morning music. The roads were deserted. Very few cars can be spotted. Everything seemed to be at peace with the universe. It was one tranquil early morning sight. Magical indeed!

As soon as I hit the U-turn, I decided to do Galloway. Lack of sleep the previous night had taken its toll. Although my mind dictated me to go on my body was just too stubborn to follow. Plus, Fluid Trainer was a wrong pair for a half-marathon. I realized I should stick to stability shoes on long runs. My right knee started to throb in KM 11. Although tolerable, I needed walk breaks so as not to hurt my right knee too much.

Not long enough, I reached the tollgate. I was elated but at the same time a bit cheesed off for the road soon became crowded. 42K and 21K runners now shared the road with 10K and 5K runners. The scene was comparable to a maze. And since many decided to just walk off to finish line it became a challenge. I had to be extra careful not to hit or bump my fellow runners. This continued until I reached the finish line. The event was just jam-packed and moving around seemed impossible without bumping the person next to you. My vexation continued when 21K runners were asked to go straight to the Active Health Village to get the medal. I thought I was too tired to walk another half kilometer. Besides I needed to look for my friends too. And given the number of crowd, it would be very difficult to spot them. Thankfully, I spotted Kuya Ming, Rose and Matot. While we were having a little chitchat I spotted Phillip. “Thank God!” I thought to myself. Soon enough, I spotted Christian. I was too tired that all I wanted to do was sleep so we decided to go to the parking area where Kuya Jojo’s van was parked. After freshening up, the team decided to head back to Cabanatuan City. While inside the vehicle, Christian and Marlon crowed their photos. I was jealous that I didn’t have photos taken at the photo booths. But I was too tired to line up or even walk around the Active Health Village. As they show off their photos I fell asleep.