Conquering New York

Of course, when you are bound to run New York, I cannot help but wonder "What will I wear for the NY Marathon?". After months and months of choices, I finalized everything and came down with this (see below). Spot me in the news!!!

Current song: Empire State of Mind

Finally, 10K sub-1!!!

I never thought the day would come. Yesterday, a couple of thousand ran the Adidas King of the Road in Fort Bonifacio. The day was filled with excitement and the field was a sea of blacks. I decided to wear my official New York marathon gear in this race as the singlet I got was way too big for me.

I started the race cool and relaxed. Following my fellow TGISunday official pacer, Jan and Neil (6:00/km). At first, we were passing through a lot of runners and I even ran on a putik area. Eventually, after 3KM, when new runners began to tire we picked up the pace. I was running and maintaining a 5:50 pace which is really new to me. I usually and comfortable pace arpund 6:30 - 7:30 but decided to really race KOTR. I was aiming for a sub-1. This was the first race that will give me the opportunity to do so and I was focused in getting that goal. I managed to keep pace with Jan and Neil and ensure I do not lose sight of them. I did walk the Kalayaan flyover inclines to ensure I do not over-run this part of the race.

1KM through the finish line, I saw Chrys and told her that we should aim for a sub-1. She told me to go ahead and so I did. I went for it. REALLY.

Crossed the finish line, 59'11" in my Garmin which happens to be the official time of KOTR also! I can now brag that I run 10K at a sub-1 pace. :)

Registered!

Yesterday, I went to ROX BHS to register for runs. I should register already as it will be too late to register when I get back from my US trip and I would also miss the discounted prices. The registration were at the second floor of ROX and all the runs are almost there. Checked some of them and proceeded registering for the following:

Run United - November 21, 2010 (15K)

QCIM2 - December 5, 2010 (21K Half Marathon)

Greentenial Run 2011 - Janurary 23, 2011 (15K)

Excited and anxious for these runs. When Condura opens, I'll be one of the firsts to register - for the full mary.

What happened to me? August 27-October 20

I intently tried not to post anything here in my blog for the past 2 months. The reason being, I do not want to pre-empt my preparations for my New York Marathon. Now that I am almost there, I am happy to share what have happened in those 2 intensive months of training.

During the last part of August and early September, our LSDs outside Manila were back-to-back. I have been travelling everywhere just to run - Subic, Clark, Cavite, Tagaytay, and Batangas. I would wake up at 2AM on a Sunday, where I will receive a text message from my friends "nasan ka na?". I would then reply, "papuntang McKinley". Then the inevitable "tatakbo ka nanaman???".

Those two months were gruelling. I don't see my friends that often and haven't been out for a long time. Although I was able to manage one gimik night (during the Camsur marathon of my running friends), it was enought to get me energized to run the next Sundays. In total for those 7 Sundays, I was able to manage 3 LSDs with distances of 34K, 32K and 30K. I am very confident that I will be able to at least run New York.

What now? Just tapering. Running easy 5Ks and 10Ks. Pero I will be racing Adidas to my official attempt for a Sub-1. I think I did sub-1 during Southridge but will not be able to confirm as my Garmin died - battery lang naman hehe. October 30 is the DAY. I'm flying then will be running.

See you in New York - concrete jungles where dreams are made of...