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.

Run United Philippine Marathon 2012

This thirst for running adventure prompted me to head on to this first ever organized Run United Philippine Marathon on a Sunday, October 28, 2012.

As much as I wanted to travel a day ahead of race day, my buddies and I were tied with obligations so we ended riding the bus Saturday late afternoon. We found ourselves seated at the rear end of the bus next to a big guy who snored like hell. My buddy found his snore with no rhythm at all hence it didn’t lull us to sleep all the way to Manila.  

Somehow we managed to find a place to stay, charge, refresh and lie down for a very short time. ;o)    

As the gun was fired, we scurried to find a way out of the running crowd…there were around 3,500 21K runners sprawled along BGC bound to MOA.  No matter how fast or slow pace I get, there were always other runners on my side. There were lovers running while holding hands, families on the run, smokers, snail pacers, and sprinters.

With the heat, each step I made felt like I was pounding on Hades’ grounds. Some areas were dark and with uneven paths. It even came to a point when all I could think of was to take off my shoes and toss it away. The sight of portalets along the route were so inviting that it made me do several pitstops, adding up to my run time. At mark 34KM, I was delighted to meet fellow Baguio runners who were almost done with their 42K run.

After the race, we squandered time just to figure out what to do with our gigantic finisher’s medals! These neck breaking plates are worth all the heat!

Despite getting confused as to which transit to take - MRT or LRT, after the long wait…finally I felt refreshed after a shower all the way to Tandang Sora…

This feat reminds me again to never underestimate the power of REST and proper nutrition…

Run United Philippine Marathon 2012

BGC-MOA, Manila

Philippines

10.28.2012

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…

  

Running against the odds...: TNF 100 Ph 2012

“ With my right foot taped dampening my spirit, I could only hope for a great finish….”  

It has been barely three weeks since I have discovered and fell in love with the serenity and contemplative feeling evoked from running the trails.  Since then, I’ve been cruising the trails as if I were doing a short stroll at the park.  I was fortunate enough to have found a running buddy who’s willing to join me; otherwise I would have missed unraveling the joys of trail running. On top of it, I was able to convince one of my old pals and other former colleagues to explore the trails as well.

Much to my disappointment, an unthinkable happened a day just before the race: I tripped and sprained my right ankle. It was swelling and had discolored. Although it is a very common injury among runners, I still opted to consult a doctor. My doctor would have not allowed me to run if I didn’t have an x-ray of my foot, just to rule out any dislocated or broken bones. While waiting for my x-ray, I was too worried that it would take me off the trail for weeks or even months. After doing the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) and with the Leukoplast and Fastum Gel,  I decided to run the much-awaited TNF race the next day.

When the gun fired off, I was still unsure of whether I’d run or walk instead…. I started with a slow jog and frequent walks during the first few kilometers.  As runners piled up entering the trail, I was so tempted to speed up knowing that I could outrun them under normal circumstances.  With my right foot taped dampening my spirit, I could only hope for a great finish…

As I traversed the steep downward trail with loose gravel, I was terrified that a sharp stabbing pain would hit me anytime and my body would eventually totally shut down on me.  Fearing that I end up tripling as the two older women whom I have helped who literally trampled right in front of me, I had to slow down just to make sure I am not setting myself up for another sprain. Since I believe in finishing a race strong with the best time,I did not allow myself to cross the finish line limping… Instead,I came out feeling physically powerful and happy!

Kalyani- visionary runner.

04.22.12 TNF Philippines; Baguio City

TNF 100 Ph 2012 Wishing for a great finish...

“ With my right foot taped dampening my spirit, I could only hope for a great finish….”  

It has been barely three weeks since I have discovered and fell in love with the serenity and contemplative feeling evoked from running the trails.  Since then, I’ve been cruising the trails as if I were doing a short stroll at the park.  I was fortunate enough to have found a running buddy who’s willing to join me; otherwise I would have missed unraveling the joys of trail running. On top of it, I was able to convince one of my old pals and other former colleagues to explore the trails as well.

Much to my disappointment, an unthinkable happened a day just before the race: I tripped and sprained my right ankle. It was swelling and had discolored. Although it is a very common injury among runners, I still opted to consult a doctor. My doctor would have not allowed me to run if I didn’t have an x-ray of my foot, just to rule out any dislocated or broken bones. While waiting for my x-ray, I was too worried that it would take me off the trail for weeks or even months. After doing the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) and with the Leukoplast and Fastum Gel,  I decided to run the much-awaited TNF race the next day.

When the gun fired off, I was still unsure of whether I’d run or walk instead…. I started with a slow jog and frequent walks during the first few kilometers.  As runners piled up entering the trail, I was so tempted to speed up knowing that I could outrun them under normal circumstances.  With my right foot taped dampening my spirit, I could only hope for a great finish…

As I traversed the steep downward trail with loose gravel, I was terrified that a sharp stabbing pain would hit me anytime and my body would eventually totally shut down on me.  Fearing that I end up tripling as the two older women whom I have helped who literally trampled right in front of me, I had to slow down just to make sure I am not setting myself up for another sprain. Since I believe in finishing a race strong with the best time,I did not allow myself to cross the finish line limping… Instead,I came out feeling physically powerful and happy!

Kalyani- visionary runner.

04.22.12 TNF Philippines; Baguio City