Run Rio Leg 2 : Nature Valley Run 2010 - My First 21k

I found out the hard way that 21k is not always equal to 10k times 2 plus 1k. Especially if it's your first. :)) I can more or less keep a 10k pace of 6 min/km so I thought doing 7 min/km for my first 21k would be like a walk in the park. I guess I was partly correct - I did walk in the park. :P

I was determined to do a sub-2:30 for my first half-mary but my determination did not compensate for my insufficient training. [So my advice (not new), train well! ].

My run started out pretty good. I was on track for my 7 min/km target pace. But nature was forcing my bladder to do number 1 very early in the nature valley run (first 2k). I thought of stopping at the first portalet I saw (it was near the first water station) but there were a lot lined up so I decided to take the next one. I lined up for the next one and decided to wait. I learned that time runs fast when you stop running. I was already in line for around 4 minutes and I couldn't risk any more second so I started to run again, resolving to get the next no-line portalet. It eventually came but when I stepped outside one runner pointed out, "Kuya, pambabae dito!" Ok. So much for that. :))

Anyway, I was looking at my watch for the first 6k and I noticed that I was 3 minutes (total) delayed of target. That means if I do keep my 7 min/km pace, I would reach the finish line at 7 x 21 + 3 = 150 or 2:30! Just in time! Of course, I tried to make up for some time by going a bit faster but I also got tired faster.

After a few minutes, I was on my way up the Buendia flyover. At 00:51 (on the flyover), I saw my running mate Eugene "Ostrich" already on his way back for a sub-1 10k. At 00:54, I saw Donna Cruz also on her way back [Wow, she's fast!]. I never thought the Buendia flyover was that long. And it was very much banked. Good for cars, bad for runners. To get my mind off it, I thought about how I could compute for the minimum radius of curvature so that I won't fly off the flyover. :P Anyway, I was doing ok and I got back to the 10k marker at 1:22. I reached 11k at around 1:30 and at that time, I was already losing hope of reaching my 2:30-target. See, I have never done a 10k sub-1 so if I was still 10k away and I only have 1 hour and I have run 11k and I just got down Buendia flyover, the odds were very much against me.

Although my legs were already very heavy and I was slowing down even more, I kept my head up and kept moving forward. When I reached Lawton avenue, I came across Eugene again and excitedly waited for Donna because I knew she was just right behind. In the process, I also noticed Patrick Running Shield Concepcion (who was celebrating his 30th anniversary of running), Jonel of Front Runner (bugobugo) and the guy pushing the wheelchair. Then Donna. :P They were already on their way back when I was just about to find out what lies ahead - long uphills! :P

At 2:15, I was only at the 16k marker. I seriously considered doing a 3 min/km on my last 5k and imagined my self raising my hands at the finish line. Then of course I came back to reality and went on my way, slowly but forward.

Near the finish line, I really appreciated how enthusiastic the volunteers are. And all the you-can-do-it's were really motivating. I still sprinted (or it felt like I did) the last few hundred meters because I did not go all the way of that 21k for an undignified finish.

Needless to say, I did not reach my sub-2:30 goal but I was able to cram a sub-3 towards the end so overall - not bad at all! :P





At the finish line, I received my medal and all the congratulations proudly. My girlfriend rushed towards me to get this picture and to give me a sweet, sweaty hug. :P



She then led to the loot bag which was right there. Best part of the finish line experience was the ice cream! :))

I enjoyed every step of the way. I even drank a lot and sponged a lot and everything-ed a lot! It's true, the first is really special. :))

Thanks to Coach Rio and his team for another great event! Eleven thousand trees! :))

Congrats to my girlfriend for her first run! She did the 5k in 39 minutes! Very much better than my first time. :P



Here's me and my girlfriend Tey. :))


The HP running team with guest runner - me! :P


Tey and Coach Noel "Pungay Mata"


Tey and Coach Rio


Jonel of Front Runner mag (bugobugo) and Dr. Yong Larrazabal (Donna's husband)


Tey and Dr. Yong Larrazabal


Tey and Patrick "Running Shield" Concepcion


Tey's dream pic with Jeffrey Hidalgo


21k finishers


Mostly eOMS Runners


Road Shots




..and of course - The Superposition