Condura Skyway Marathon 2013

 Running the skyway is definitely neither a fun run nor a walk in the park. Although it offers a safe and friendly ground for newbies, it challenged me to conceive visual stimuli and lure muse from within. In this race, I may have not lost my sense of direction but I definitely ran the risk of losing my mind. In the end, the skyway somehow conjured up my heart and soul as a pristine runner.

PRE RACE JITTERS

As early as ten days before the race, I felt restless and jittery as I know I was about to push myself physically and mentally to the limits of endurance.  One day before the race- I preoccupied myself by malling, hydrating and trying so hard to get some sleep although it was not something I normally do in broad daylight. Twelve hours before- mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety leached in. At six hours before guntime, thoughts of backing out constantly lingered in my mind.

TRAVERSING THREE CITIES: Muntinlupa, Paranaque and Makati

The presence of familiar faces amidst thousands and the spectacular fireworks eventually lit up my energy at the gun start. At midnight when all others were in deep slumber, I started my usual reduced pace as I commenced the tail of my marathon.  I diligently sipped water, ate bananas, douched my nape and torsos and gulped gels as I crossed each station. All throughout the course, it was just me and my ipod (filled with perky music) for most of the part. However, I did not miss the stench and the smoke along some route. I deliberately comforted myself by reading and deciphering any graffiti or written texts I came across. In particular, I do remember “ Your Sole is Mine…”

After running consistently for more than 4 hours, I thought I have survived the most horrendous part of the race. At KM 37, I was so tempted to take extended walking breaks just as everyone else did. The skyway was no longer packed, runners were getting thinner and thinner, and the sound of siren and sight of puking runners were in every corner. I was working on keeping myself mentally stable and physically strong as I dashed off to finish.

The last three kilometers from the finish line was indeed the toughest part. I was finally conscious of fatigue setting in, my depleted glycogen, the burning sensation and the rarified feeling of quitting.  As I was on the verge of hitting the wall, my legs were somehow ignited when I caught a glimpse of a familiar female trail runner who was fast approaching. I was able to keep up with her but she eventually outran me at the last 500 meter stretch of the route. Upon crossing the finish line, I felt like I was entering the gates of heaven, where my reward eagerly awaited me with the angels gleefully cheering aside…     

POST RACE NOSTALGIA

After my medal was downed, I feigned leg cramps just so I could sit with the medics and wait for my buddies. I sensed the sweet smell of victory arousing everywhere. Runners sprawled all over the grasslands like lifeless dolls. Pictures were taken here and there as I headed to the nearest portalet.

I admit that my training is woefully inadequate but if there is one thing I have gained from this race, it is to stay FOCUSED. There is simply no room for downbeat thoughts.  This is yet another feat conquered. Finishing a 42K is a tiny stride to life’s real marathon…where each day is a struggle to attaining perfection.

*I am indebted to the champions, Sir Philip and Ms. Cleo, for their ultimate running tips; and to my buddies, Cris and Lay, for their vivacious company - till next adventure…    

CONDURA SKYWAY MARATHON- Run for the Mangroves

Filinvest Alabang, Manila 

03.February.2013

Rewarding treat for a visionary runner's first marathon...

Kalyani is currently brewing on her next marathon.

A post birthday half mary

On September 30, there happened to be around 4 races set all on that same day. There was the ADIDAS KOTR, Pangasinan Great Run, Run for Pasig and in fact there was also a scheduled free run (EDSA Run) in Baguio city. We opted to run the PGRHM organized by the 3Urunners in Lingayen, Pangasinan. After much ado, there were only two of us who braved to conquer the PGR HM. Others think they won’t take the heat, others the distance and others were simply too busy… At 2:30 early morning, we hit the roads then off we go to Pangasinan. This was going to be a first time half mary for my buddy, while I was all set to having a post birthday run as I was too busy to have a run during my birthday last September 27.  We were met by heavy rains when we were just one more town away from Lingayen. However, there was no sign of rain as we reached our destination. I was amazed by the grandeur of their municipal hall, indeed, it is one of the most beautiful in Luzon.  All the while, I thought the picture in the registration form was only a prototype.

We spotted some Baguio runners at the starting line. At gun start, I started slow then tried to pick up my pace.   My buddies waited for me and upon reaching the bridge, we spent some time taking pictures as the other runners passed by. I was just glad my buddies were in no hurry to finish nor were they beating time or PB’s. We were simply taking our time and having fun. Surprisingly, it was not so hot as we expected and there were not so much cars along the route. Got ourselves entertained by some kids flying kites, some sheep avoiding my camera, the bananas,  and the bystanders cheering/jeering us on.    

It had been two hours and it seemed the race was still far from over. As we endured the 21K ordeal, we met runners who couldn’t even look at us in eyes since they know deep inside that they haven’t been totally honest to themselves…. Taking a short cut wouldn’t exactly look good on those groups of guys with muscle-abled bodies complete with motorcycle/bicycle support crew.

We arrived 03:00 at the finish line… Definitely not a good time, but it was a lot better than those cheats who cut through the route. We weren’t totally expecting a podium finish but literally there was no crowd waiting for us at the finish line. Nevertheless, we were thankful that the organizers patiently waited for us to arrive then awarded our medals and finisher shirts. This is so far my biggest medal with the highest time…

On our way back home, we visited Rose, a friend of Lay then headed to a nearby mall for lunch. Tokyo-tokyo’s food had not satisfied our hunger but the best part was dipping ourselves in the hot pools of Klondykes along Kennon. . . Thank you for the company, buddies...Till next run…