Unilab Run United 2 2012 : Back on the Road!

Cramps with less than a kilometer to go.

It's the first time for me to experience severe cramping during a race. I looked at my watch to see 2:48. It still was not twitterably fast but nonetheless it's a new PR for me in the making. If I could only get myself to run.

I've had never felt like not being able to physically continue before but the pain was unbearable. It probably showed on my face, if not my limp, because a couple of friendly runners/strangers even stopped for me and advised me to stretch for a while. "Lapit na yan, pre." and "You can do it." were some of the encouraging words tossed at me. One even joked, "5 kilometers na lang" and let out a friendly chuckle.

I gave in and stretched my aching left quadriceps, trying to summon all the energy I had left. As I was squeezing and talking to my tight muscles, the previous 5 hours of my Sunday morning flashed before my eyes.

Places to Visit in Baguio

June 12, 2012. My wife and I spent the last weekend in the cold city of Baguio. While the occasional rain added even more to the icy feel, it was indeed a very warm welcome for us!

Believe it or not, it was Tey's first time in the city of Pines and so everything was new for her - from the cold breeze that hit her upon stepping out of the bus to the pervading smell of horse dung that filled our lungs when we ran uphill to Wright Park.

To be honest even for me everything felt new. The awesome places we visited were by themselves enchanting, but my joy was compounded infinitely because I spent every second of the vacation with my beautiful wife.

Let me share with you some of the places we visited in Baguio. If you're a first timer, I recommend that you give these places a shot so that you get an authentic I-was-from-Baguio experience. If you're a veteran, you can look at these places from a different lens, perhaps from the perspective of enjoying it with a loved one.

Race Kit Claimed! Run United 2 Race Expo

I feel the excitement all over again now that I finally have my newest race kit! Run United 2 - Are you ready for me? :D

I thought the the race kit claiming area was well organized. Although it might be too early to tell because it is only the first day after all, it appears they have sufficient counters to serve the running public. :P

The 21K race kit as promised included a belt bag which I'm sure many will want to use on race day. I myself am considering it because the start point and end point are different. [See the logic?]

You will see the race expo easily because it is the corner of 26th and 9th (and because you were most probably given a map when you registered). They had not finished setting up yet when I claimed my kit but I bet it will be swarming tomorrow with various running showcases and enthusiasts, so you better be there! :D

Anyway, it feels so great to be back! Aside from its being my come-back race, it is also my wife's first run as Mrs. Hugo! Oh, the goosebumps I had when the assistant handed me Tey's envelope labeled [Her Name] Hugo.