My Third... and Counting

Now that my angel is running with me, I believe I will be able to push through with this new career. Hence, I was able to have my third run yesterday, The Philippine International Marathon 2009, A Run for the Pasig River at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.

Actually, I (or shall I say we), don't intend to join this event since we are already running the 2009 Timex Run the following week (November 15). But the invitation had been sent by our HR, and they pledged to sponsor our run. And who are we to say 'NO', he he he. They (our company) even provided 2 service for the event. We are composed of 15 unofficial Strathlete Runners (and 1 - my angel).

I woke up around 3AM. I rang my angel and checked if he's already up and getting ready. My breakfast had only been hot milo, cheese stick, and fried egg. Unlike my previous runs, I was able to get into a bus immediately. However, the bus I am riding was caught in an accident at the Clover Leaf after Camachile. And so, I alight the bus and wait for another one. Good thing, my angel's bus is just on time to pass by the same location. We both arrived at GMA-MRT station (the meeting place) around 30 minutes late.

Upon arriving at the venue, we took some photos before we proceed to the STARTing line.

The Strathelete Runners (Leo, Shai, Jem, Cris, Pedz, Soc, Madz, Carlo, Manny, and Cristy)

A few minutes before the 5k gun start, I felt I need to pee. And so my angel accompanied me. But while on the queue (which is quite long), we heard the 3K gun start. So, we decided to return to the STARTing line and just hope to pass by a place to pee along the way.

I tried the running technique taught to me by my angel. He noticed that I am not running the right way last Adidas KOTR 2009. I don't feel any weight on the new running technique, but my legs began to weary easily. And so I have to stop after 15 minutes of running or so. Besides, it was real hard to run while you are feeling the call of nature, LOL! Luckily, we pass by a spot to answer that call. But it was still a long line, other runners respond to nature's call too.

I am monitoring our unofficial time with my watch then. But I failed to deduct the time wasted on the nature's call thingy, ha ha. It had been a fun run despite of the crowd. The emcee stated that there were a total of 11,000 participants from the Universities alone. But here's one of the many participants that somewhat make me run instead of walk :P

Who say's running requires two feet?

I even heard spectators cheering for him. And so, after 54 minutes (including the pee time), we cross the finish line at the same time once more.

A few steps away from the finish line

FINISH. Crossing the FINISH line, you can't buy that feeling.

I almost always felt that I can still run the extra mile every time I will cross the FINISH line. I guess it is too to a lot of runners. Possibly, it's the feeling of fulfillment after crossing that line. We had a few more picture taking.

Complete Delegation with our Certificates of Completion

With the PhP250 registration fee, the only thing that had been provided after the race were free water and shower, LOL.

Winner of Full Marathon

Winner (in my own right)

Break a leg! See you on our next run: The 2009 Timex Run.