We're Late!

It was already past 11PM of Saturday, February 20, 2010, and I still can't fall asleep. I had my dysmenorrhea earlier and is still feeling pain in my abdomen. But NO, I won't miss Century Superbods Run.

Still a little sleepless, I woke up at 2:30AM to prepare for my 5K race at The Fort. My breakfast was hot chocolate, Nature Valley granola bar, and a tablet of Dolfenal 250mg [for my cramps]. I took a bath with warm water, prepare, and set myself to go.

I arrived at the MiniStop at the GMA-MRT station a few minutes before 5AM. I patiently wait for my angel who arrived just on time. However, due to miscommunication, we were left by our running buddies. Hence, we just hail a cab and meet them at the parking to leave our baggage.

As we traverse the streets of The Fort, we find ourselves caught on heavy traffic. The 21K and 10K runners were already having their run. So, we decided to alight the taxi and just run toward the parking. Whew! It was one [hell of a] warm-up. My legs are still in pain with my very first 7.4K mileage in the UNILAB running clinic last Thursday. I even felt that I would just be having my 5K walk all throughout.

After leaving our baggage at TsuperRunner's vehicle, we again run towards the starting line. And it was kinda disappointing that we're already late [but as far as we know, we're still on time with the announced gun start]. CaptainRunner had to pee first, and so I wait for him a little more. As we shake ourselves off to reach the starting line with thousands of runners piled up for the 3K, it took us almost 10 minutes [just to reach the start and keep us going].

And so I ran, I ran, and I ran more. I am always telling CaptainRunner to go and run with me. The sub-10 before reaching the starting line had been my motivation to push myself more [even with aching legs]. I felt side stitch in my first 300m. But I was able to manage it and be relieved from it after a few seconds. I would always took advantage of the [not so] downhill to speed up and make for our punctuality, LOL! [But beating my PR is a big NO already.]

Whenever I pass by hydration booths, I would always remember the "Running Etiquette". There were allotted drums for the water cups, and still, runners drop them on the road. It just makes the part of the route slippery and dirty. Next time runners, let's be concerned enough to others :)

And what does that vehicle doing in our route?

I go tandem running with CaptainRunner. He just came well from sickness and have not yet trained [either in running or cycling]. And so, after a few meters, I would suddenly stop to wait for him [otherwise, I'll lost sight of him]. The crowd [of runners] is really that enormous. It is not as perfect as the Timex Run 2009. CaptainRunner asked me, "What happened?" And so I replied, "Keep quiet! This is Coach Rio's organized race event." LOL! I am sooo biased! Well, on the other hand, 11,000 runners is really too much. I hope next leg, Coach Rio would only allocate a definite number of slots for the race categories.

After crossing the finish line, we spotted Derek Ramsay being interviewed. But I dare not stop, I really don't care at all, hee hee. I even thought that he won't make it to the event.

Derek Ramsay being interviewed

As we continue towards the 'event park', we were surprised by the long line of 5K finishers for the loot bags. We go on separate ways, CaptainRunner piled in the never ending line while I go search for the drop boxes of the raffle. I easily found the drop boxes and return to 5K loot bags redemption. I found a shorter line and so I called CaptainRunner's attention and we easily claimed ours [with no sweat]. We then claimed our meal and the free Men's and Women's Health Magazines.

It is past 8AM, and so we have to go home to attend the Sunday service. But being able to spot Coach Rio triggered my feet to run toward him for a photo op, LOL!

The event was still great despite the number of runners who participated; but it had caused traffic over The Fort [which is definitely annoying]. But Coach Rio touched my heart as I read his gratefulness and apologies in his open letter to all the Century Superbods Run participants. He openly told us in the UNILAB's Bloggers Briefing that he really took time to read comments from races that he organizes to make the next one better. And he admitted though, that it really hurts to read such. Oh, so humble!

With the use of the Champion Chip, the race results were out immediately. And yes, it was accurate. I ranked 858^th among the 1,610 runners. I crossed the finish line at 00:49:13 (oh, disappointing!), but only had a total elapsed time of 00:39:52 with 00:18:17 on my turnaround point.

See you all in RunRio Trilogy Leg 2!

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Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

Still with poise huh?

T-R-A-F-F-I-C

Crossing the FINISH LINE is still a wonderful feeling



At the event park

With Hotlegs Runner