Trails & Roads: 2012's Run United Series completion... on my way to becoming a marathoner

The delight of completing 2012 Run United Series...

Run United 1 (21K)...
March 04 - BGC, Taguig City

I witnessed how my co-PF friends conquered last year's Run United series. Since I wasn't a long distance runner yet at that time and I was able to join its 2nd leg only, I promised myself that I would also try to complete its next season. So here I am conquering its first leg as my official second 21K race.

photo courtesy of Pinoy Fitness

With a chip time of 2 hours and 52 minutes, unable to beat my first 21K race time therefore no PR (personal record) for me due to lack of stamina and training but still, finishing the race itself was already an achievement especially when running along with friends which brought me an unequaled amount of joy.

Run United 2 (21K)...
June 17 - BGC, Taguig City

On its second leg, 21K category which started from Bonifacio Global City and ended at Mall of Asia in Pasay City, I finished the route in 2 hours and 37 minutes. Not bad (for a newbie) since this is a new PR for me.

photo courtesy of Team Rock & Road

Race wasn't finished yet but me and my teammates (Team Rock & Road and sub Team LSD - Laging Salat sa Datung :P ) fooling around already taking fun shots at the finish line. <3

Run United 3 (32K)...
September 16 - BGC, Taguig City

My first attempt to go beyond 21K. So nervous yet excited to overcome a new and unfamiliar distance. From most of my races especially on first attempts, I would always say I am not prepared. Though my love for running is unquestionable, I am not really diligent in training. Ask me what motivates me to run and I won't be able to define anything yet, or maybe I'm really just a lazy runner.

I pursue my training a week before the race, just so unlucky of me I need to heal from a plantar fasciitis, which I got when I crammed and tried to increase my mileage (so NOT advisable guys), and with the heavy west monsoon rains restrained me from running outdoor so I pretended to run in a treadmill (or rather jog in place) until I got sore calves barely two days before the event I wasn't even able to walk properly after.

I can still feel the pain on both my calves on the race day I thought I wouldn't be able to finish the official race route. With the aid of a 'thermogenic accelerator cream' courtesy of my teammate Marie Joyce, and teammate Elvin who paced me from the starting to finish line, we completed with an official chip time of 4:02:01. We were not able to conquer our target time, which was supposed to be SUB 4 hours, but at least I was able to cross the finish line injury free though lack of oxygen caused me a lot of trouble, I know next time. Until next 32K - a revengeful target time of SUB 4.

RUPM 42 kilometers...
October 28 - BGC, Taguig City

i was in chaos...

Earlier part of this year, I commited myself in the completion of this year's Run United series. So finishing its legs from RU1 & RU2's 21KM to RU3's 32KM, I was so determined in joining it's RUPM's full marathon as well. I was so sure until I got convinced to register in a prestigious full marathon to be held next year. Before I made up my mind, I was having second thoughts in joining this already because I am very much anxious to finish a marathon and an ultra marathon before this year ends but this event is sort of (as I thought) preventing me from doing so. This should not be a problem but this dream marathon is dedicated in training 1st timers & 2nd timers only. So as per my thinking, joining RUPM's 42K to be followed by an upcoming ultra marathon (50 KM) this December will result to my disqualification in my dream marathon. This uneasy thoughts prompted me to send an email to the organization seeking confirmation to my query. Luckily, I got an immediate response from the founder favoring my wishes (though it is said that it is not advisable). So technically, only 42 KM is covered by the current rule meaning for as long as I did not officially finish two 42KM races before the race event, I am still qualified to join.

Prior to this, I have decided to take part in 21KM category instead but quirk of faith, 21KM race kits run out so quickly leading to my only option to register in 42KM or lower distances. Of course, the glaze of the (rumored) loyalty medal and awards night anticipation :P caused me to commit in 42KM category.

race day...

arriving at the race event.. a few minutes before the race starts...

photo courtesy of YONGSKY

My palms were sweaty and cold... frightened but at the same time excited. We positioned ourselves at the end of the pack, wasn't confident enough to finish the whole route and already settling my mind to recover a vengeance on my next FM just in case I'll get swept by the sweeping van.

On its first half, though I have declared not to have a pacer this time to minimize pressure on my part, some of my teammates and running friends decided to join me at first. No pressure at all so we just had a so called 'chikka' pace though at times I get so elated and unconsciously, I am doing my usual 21KM running pace triggered Doug Laz (even if unplanned, we had the same outfit color - yellow) to pull me at a halt & keep on reminding me, that there are still more distances to cover so reserve your energy. I would invariably grin at Doug Laz' whenever he shouts 'Hoy babae!'. Despite lack of hydration on three consecutive stations started I guess at 19th KM, we managed to continue (thanks to a fellow conqueror sir Raymond Alcantara for buying bottles of water for us from a convenient store) and its first half distance covered almost 3 hours of my time.

After I surpassed 21st KM, I started to feel side stitches & cramp from my right calf so I slowed down and had to pass through all medical station asking for liniment which runs out as well but offered ice bag instead until finally found one medic with liniment and relieved. I struggled from 22nd KM up to 30th KM. But seeing the 30th KM marker gave me a boost and re-energized (maybe that was my second wind as how they describe it) me to continue running thinking that there were only 12 KM left until approaching the finish line. Eventually, while feeling a burning skin sensation from the scorching heat of the sun, on its last turn I saw the red carpet and the crowd of supporters & photographers. And so I put up my best smile and tried to sprint all the way to finish attaining 05:34:05 chip time , 05:36:22 gun time proudly completed the series safe & strong placing 28th in my age category, 96th among women and 1127th of the 2072 who finished.