Now there was a fun run I
joined this morning. It was dubbed Run for Health. It kind of rang a bell; it
sounded like Miles for Health, a fun run my friends and I organized last year.
Hahaha Okay, I zipping lips on that part.
Going back to race, I got
to Cabanatuan City at around 4:30am. There were a few runners in the area so I
thought the race would probably start at 5:30am. Having joined several races
outside the city I realized many lack discipline in terms of time. Tsk. Tsk.
It was only after an hour
when runners started arriving. I just kept my disappointment to myself. After
all everyone seemed excited. Some started warming up while others were busy
chatting with their fellow runners. I was just observing them when an
acquaintance approached me. We exchanged pleasantries and had a little chit
chat. We talked about, yes you guessed it
right, running. I tried to appear interested but the impatient persona
within insisted to just go home. I did not wear my wrist watch but the sun was
up and I could tell it was close to 6:00am. I was getting edgy. I did not like
the idea of running late. Talk about the scorching heat of the sun!
Alas the gunstart went off.
What a relief! I kept a relatively slow pace. I knew I had to speed up a little
because 14k was no joke. It would soon be hot and I did not apply sun block. I
was a little sad though because my male runner friends were not around. No one
would help me with my pace. Tsk. I missed them. =(
Back in the start line I
saw four ladies. Five brave ladies including me. All three sprinted off. I
thought I wanted to keep up with them so I pushed a little harder. When I ran
past third lady, I maintained a relatively fast but controlled pace.
Everything seemed okay but
trouble started when stray dogs appeared in the picture. They were everywhere
like onlookers ready to bite anyone. I had to be very cautious not to get near
them. In addition, I became very preoccupied with the dogs that I realized the
runner ahead of me disappeared. I did not know whether he turned left or right.
He was simply out of sight. Now where were the marshals? What made things worst
was the water station was nowhere to be found! Oh good heavens. I had a bottle
of water handy but it was half empty.
Things were just
displeasing. However I tried to look at the brighter side; one fine day; kind
and cheerful onlookers were everywhere.
So when the sight of the
first water station appeared I thought it was a miracle. I filled my bottle and
head on. The volunteer was nice and started small talk. As soon as I had my
bottle filled with water I thanked her and head on. Along the way I reminded
myself to save my water because I did not know where the second water station
was located. In all fairness, the second water station was not too far from the
first. But since my bottle was still full I decided not to stop. I did not know
how far I covered so far but in the entire time I only saw two marshals; one
was on bike and the other one was in Melencio Ext.
The road was familiar.
Heading straight would lead to Kapt. Pepe. I wondered though where the third
waster station was placed. My bottle was half empty again. But since it was
futile to blame anyone I composed myself and brushed away negative thoughts.
Not long after I reached
Phase 2. It was a relief. Finish Line was few kilometres away. Although I tried
to squirrel away the remaining water in my bottle, from time to time I would
hope for another water station. Thankfully, the third water station was in
sight. To my dismay though there was no water anymore. Argh. It was just sooo
disappointing.
I, however continued
running. After all it was about one kilometer away from the finish line. I
prayed for more patience and understanding. “Let’s get it over and done with.”
I told myself. Thus, I was pleased when I crossed the finish line.
I landed in rank 4. All the
while I thought there were only five female runners for 14K category but there were
actually six of us. Okay, it was not really biggie but I did not see the girl
who landed third at the start area. I thought there were only five of us. Oh
well I could be wrong. She must be somewhere in the middle of the pack; I must
have not noticed her. However, a friend of fellow female 14K runner asserted
there were only five girls. Oh well, like I said no biggie. She could be
somewhere; maybe she was with the crowd and only joined us when the gunstart
went off. Besides, she was one of the fastest female runners in the city – no
doubt about it.
Lessons Learned:
1. Bottled water is
necessary especially in races in Cabanatuan City.
2. Be flexible; most races
Cabanatuan City don’t start on time.
3. Patience keeps one’s
sanity intact. Some things are beyond our control.
4. Compete with no one but
yourself.
5. ENJOY THE RACE, no
matter what.
