I Chased the Sun at The Neutrogena Run 2010

It is somewhat obvious how the heat of the sun had affected my runs. So far, in my UP runs, my longest was a 6.6K (3 laps at the Academic Oval). And yes, I am already perspiring much after running 1K. But of course, we runners will not allow anything to hinder us from running; hence, despite that hot weather, we still run - we just lessen our mileage. (Okay, I'm speaking for myself, I don't know how other runners maybe doing with such heat.)

While I am prepping up myself to this Sunday's run: The Neutrogena Run 2010 Chase the Sun, I am contemplating and thinking about running a 10K. I am afraid that I may not finish it or something. I even find it hard to get up from bed, feeling like I wanted to get more sleep than to run and be burnt by the sun. But still, my feet wanted to run, so I go.

It was a surprise that we arrived early. The 15K runners were just doing their warm-up. There is really no reason to hurry. We positioned ourselves near the starting line as the 10K runners were called. I am surprised to see only a few number of runners. Probably most of them joined the Men's Health Trail Run. Thus, in my thoughts I said, I never wanna be the last to finish the race.

before the gun start

On cue, my angel had been running too fast that I felt I can never pace with him; but I tried. Believe me, the first KM seem to be that hard that I already had the thoughts of not finishing the race. However, I just go on and run as if I am alone, chasing no one but my target of 7min/km. Unlike in my NatGeo Run where I did a Galloway of 5:1, this time, I ran without walking until I reach every KM marker. Upon reaching and seeing that I still have a buffer time with my 7min target, I'll walk for about 30 seconds or less, then I'll run again. I pass by the 5KM mark (at the Buendia Flyover) at around 0:34:17. I am still on target, and so I go on. I will also stop by each and every hydration booth for I've got no Powerade (I left it to my angel, while I am carrying our camera).

See? He has my Powerade :P

Meeting my angel at the Buendia Flyover

Down the Buendia Flyover, I am thinking of walking for I feel like I'll be having side stitches. But remembering Kenley's advice on my Daily Mile, I did it, and it magically disappear (the side stitches). I even got to cheer myself, 'Go Madz, kaunti nalang KM marker na, kaya mo 'yan.' Feeling like I got a second wind, I run faster as I have to pass by a traffic. I passed the 8K mark and I'm still on target. Unfortunately, my right knee is aching (but still manageable). So after hydrating myself, I continue to run (and hopefully be consistent of my target pace).

On the final KM, I am already feeling the need to rehydrate. Really, the heat had been drying me up and slowing me down. I find myself asking for 100 Plus bottle from a marshal. I drink and 100 Plus never tastes that good. I looked at my watch, I'm still on target. I try to speed up, but it feels like I am really having trouble with the heat. I will run, then walk, run, walk until I reach the finish line at exactly 01:10:37. I maybe short of 37 seconds on my target, but I felt great! My best time for a 10K was a 01:15:22; hence, that was a 5min improvement! I can't believe it, despite the penetrating heat of the sun (which is already making me a 'neg-neg'), I still manage to tally a personal record (PR), woohoo! Not only that, I got to have a free compression tights from my angel for I had won our challenge of a 01:10 for the 10K.

After chasing the sun, I enjoyed the booths prepared by Neutrogena and sponsors. I claimed my Neutrogena pack,



finisher's shirt,


and singlet.


I gargled Listerine, sign on their freedom board,


taste the GoNuts Donuts pizza, refresh with bottomless lemonade at the Carefee booth, enjoy at the trampoline,



photo op with Coach Rio,


and savor Red Mango with almonds and grapes.


So, what comes next after winning the 01:10 challenge? I am up for another one. Sir Rene (JazzRunner) challenged me of running my next 10K at 01:05.

MinnieRunner, JazzRunner, and RunningAtom

If I do, I'll be having a free Nike Human Race shirt! Oh my, I need training (speed training); and I have to cheer myself MORE! Will you cheer for me? I want that shirt!

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Official Rank: 184/320
Official Time: 01:10:37
Chip Time: 01:10:31
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