I ran and finished my first half marathon

I did it.

Last mid of September, I decided that I will engage myself into a half marathon. I was contemplating on which one to join - either Milo Finals or QCIM. I decided to go for QCIM since I wanna gauge my 10K improvement via Milo and QCIM offers a finisher's medal for all half and full marathoners. After some preparations and excitement, the day has come. It was October 18, 2009. My first half marathon day.

There were seven of us in my barkada who decided to run the QCIM via different categories but only six of us actually ran due to some personal concerns of one of my friends. We arrived at the start line at 7:40 and was just enough for me to familiarize myself with the crowd and the pacers whom I am eyeing really to pace (2:45). I recognized the pacer of 2:30 as Rosell AKA Running Diva and decided to push myself to pace with them. I did just that and it was really worth it. Pacers proved to be a good help for first timers like me. I actually ran the first 14K (READ: RAN, no walking). I met some other Takbo.ph peeps and most importantly, Argonaut, who I was able to chat the night before via Takbo.ph. Towards 15K, my legs are starting to feel a little bit uneasy. I decided to take it slow and let the 2:45 pacers catch up with me. From then, I just relaxed and enjoy the feeling of running along commonwealth. It was my first time to run in an eight-lane road!

After sometime, during the 16K mark, I ran through Argo and told him that I'll pace him. I was able to do just that until 18K but he flew away and I was not able to catch up anymore. I paced myself but this time, I was feeling really tired. Both physically and emotionally. I decided to walk the 19K-21.5K and told myself that I will just run when I am about to cross the finish line. Upon looking at my watch for the last 1K. I saw that I can still make the 2:45 time as I have predicted and I ran for my life. I crossed the finish line at 2:45:16. I did it.

I was looking for my friends at the finishline but they were nowhere to be found. I walked towards the medal and certificate area and saw them. I claimed my medal and felt a great feeling when it was being placed around my neck. I am fulfilled I did this and I swore to myself that I will be better. 2:15 next 21K! Hahaha.

PS.
Thanks to the following: 1) Running Diva - for providing tips during the run and pacing us. 2) Argonaut - for pacing me at 16K-18K. Thanks for the help dude. 3) People pacing 2:30 - saya ng kwentuhan ng mga tao. It distracted me for quite sometime. Which is very good. 4) To Kristy -for the advise to eat something every 1hour. 5) Sir Rene, whom I looked up to while running and 6) QCIM organizers and everyone behind it -thanks for a job well done.

Congratulations are in order for all those who finished the race and most especially to Tin, my ultimate running-mate. :)

See you all at Adidas KOTR!!!

Me and my first running medal (hopefully, more to come):

I got loaded at the QCIM Carbo Loading Partee!!!

The QCIM carbo loading party was held yesterday at the Quezon City Circle. Upon entering the circle, we were directed by manong guard to go out again and re-enter after two gates. We did just that but was not able to find the appropriate gate. We then entered again the same gate - via a complete revolution on the circle and we were just directed to use the side streets. We were able to manage to get to the venue and to our surprise, the "activity center" was actually the center of QC circle. We were greeted with lights and sounds from the stage.

Upon arrival, we immediately signed-up in the registration area and proceeded to the venue where my friend Tin introduced me to some of her friends Richie, Jobax and Alfred (I hope I got their names right). At that time, the pacers are being introduced and I was able to see my pacer. I am deciding to run the half marathon at 7:30 pace.

I looked around and saw that I can recognize some faces. I saw the Kenyan Runners, sir Rene of the organizing group, Run Rio and Running Diva. I told myself - "heck, I would get photos of them". I approched them one by one and they were all nice. Running Diva even recognized me to my surprise. They are definitely accommodating and warm. Thanks to all those who have been intorduced to me. :) And here are the photos of last night's event:

Running Diva is proving why she was called a DIVA. Nice song Ms. Roselle.

At the background are the Kenyan Runners

Tin, me, Running Diva and Mr. Finishline Organizer

Run Rio

Me, Richie and Tin with the Kenyan Runners

The carbo loading party aims to set the mood for the marathon and show the crowd who will be the pacers and the people in the actual event. It was indeed a good experience to see a lot of people who are very much interested with running as I am. The QCIM looks to be promising and exciting as well. See you at the start line!

QCIM Carbo Loading Tonight!

I am super excited for the carbo loading party tonight for QCIM. I will be going to the party with Tin. See all of you there!

Copied from Takbo.ph care of poster Rene (who is also part of the organizing group):

CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THE CARBO LOADING PARTY:Due to problems in logistics and contractual constraints with the management of the Ayala Land Techno Hub, the venue for the QCIM Carbo Loading Party (for 21k and 42k registrants) has been moved to the Activity Center inside the QUEZON MEMORIAL CIRCLE instead of the Ayala Land Techno Hub. This will be for tomorrow, Friday, October 16, 2009.All activities shall remain the same with the registration starting at 5:00PM while program starts at 6:00pm.For those who will commute, you can get off near entrance of Quezon City Hall, then take underpass to the Quezon Memorial Circle. Caterers will still be the Flapjacks Restaurant.For attendance confirmation please call Michelle or Tess at 742-0283, or SMS your confirmation at 917-620-2441. If sending a text confirmation, kindly indicate your name and distance category, so we can confirm you on the list.We hope to see all the 21k and 42k registrants there.

7th Animo Run on November 15, 2009

Hail, hail, alma mater hail to De La Salle!!!

Presenting, the 7th Animo Run. Details as follows:

7th Animo Run

November 15, 2009
SM Mall of Asia IMAX Parking Lot
Registration period:October 12 - November 13, 2009

In support of all the summer sports and outreach programs of the College of Education of De La Salle University - Manila

Registration area:Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex De La Salle University-ManilaPhiten Shop - 2nd flr SM Mall of Asia Phiten Shop - 5th Level Shang-ri La Plaza Mall

Registration fee:
DLSU Categories - Php 200
5K Open - Php 200
10K Open - Php 250
Shipping fee (optional for online registrants) - Php 80

Categories
DLSU Students
DLSU Athletes
DLSU Faculty & Staff
DLSU Alumni
5K Open
10k Open
Age Categoriesfor 5k and 10k categories
Male
Female
- 19 & below
- 19 & below
- 20-29
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 50 & above
- 60 & above

Top finisher for each age category will also be receiving gift packsSpecial awards will be given to the:-Youngest runner-Oldest runner-Biggest delegation

Links:

DLSU Running Club http://www.dlsurunningclub.co.cc/

Registration Form http://phoebee.freewebhostx.com/regform.pdf

Route Map http://phoebee.freewebhostx.com/map.jpg

Singlet Design http://phoebee.freewebhostx.com/jersey5.png

See you there! Animo La Salle!!!

PS. I like the Singlet. :)

No Walking! Woohwoooh!!!

I was fulfilled. I was able to run the entire 5.36K (my normal training route) without walking. I have never done this and was able to do it tonight. Whew. I am fulfilled. I think this is a good sign that I will do very well at the QCIM. :)