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| Photo credits to Runner's Toe |
“Every
champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” –PinoyFitness
After numerous scheduled runs on Sunday morning since I first bought my
running shoes on February 2013, I decided to motivate myself and join a running
event this year. It was ULAH Run United 1 2014, a run organized by Rio Dela
Cruz, where I want to have my first race event; unfortunately, I wasn't able to
register due to unavailability of slots for 21k category and inconvenient
process of registration.
Few months later, running blog sites posted the next event for this Run
Rio trilogy, Run United 2 happening on the 1st day of June 2014 at
KM0. A good friend of mine was going to join this event. I accompanied him to
the registration site at ROX Bonifacio High Street and lined up for online
self-service registration. I dare myself to join the 21k category and give myself
a try since I like to join the first ULAH RU before. I was hesitant to register
on the first place because I might not finish the challenge and just end up
quitting, but my love for running doesn't stop me from signing up.
“Now bid me run and I will
strive with things impossible”. – William Shakespeare
Race day, June 1, 2014
My first 21k running event – ULAH Run
United 2 2014
KM0 – Luneta Park on June 1, 2014
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| RU2 2014 21k race map |
I had side stitch (sharp, stabbing pain that hits below the ribs)when I
started to step up pace after my first 3 kilometers on the road which leads me
to think that I had to stop on my track. I had shortness of breath then. Maybe,
you would say that I was over reacting given that it was just a short distance
for me to say this, but I really felt like I’m almost giving up at that point.But
I remembered the thought of what my coach, and at the same time my running
buddy Yell once said, “If you’re breathing is too shallow, it doesn't provide
adequate oxygen to working muscles. Inhaling and exhaling fully and deeply can
help reduce the occurrence of side stitches.Breathing “faster” –as in, inhale
for two steps, exhale for one step increases the depth of breath.”
I applied this for the next kilometers and glad it worked out.The pain
subsides. I hydrate myself to refresh my body and pour a cup of water over my
head every time I’ll reach the hydration station along the way to avoid myself
from heatstroke. Bananas are also
available (only for 21k and 32k runners) and unlimited Gatorade drinks are given
for free to participants. I had also 500 mL of Poweraide (sports drink) with me
and a pack of snickers inside my pocket just in case I get hungry.
I reached the 10.5 km, the point of U turn for 21k runners, for 1 hour
and 30 minutes. Gun starts at 4:00 a.m.and I was on the 3rd wave (3rd
batch of runners) that crossed the starting line with 1-3 minutes interval from
the preceding set of contenders.It was indeed a tough run for a first timer;
however, I enjoyed the race. I met and had a chance to talk to some runners I’m
pacing with.
The last 7 kilometers are the most crucial for me.I didn't have any
breakfast before the race since it was not advisable, although, you can eat 2
hours before the run. I don’t have the chance to eat before run because I had
to sleep more. I’m already hungry. I had bloated feeling on my stomach so I
dare not to eat the chocolate I brought. My legs started to become heavy. I
avow not to join long runs again. I recall what i promised myself that I will
make it to the end of the race and continued running, tried not to stop so I could
make it to the finish line early with estimated time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
But I was already tired then, therefore, I commenced to have brisk walking to
rest for a few seconds, had a zip on my Poweraide drink and started running
again when I felt energized. I always
take a look at my watch for time management. Cut off time for this category is
3 hours. I am very eager to beat my time during training days which is 3 hours
and 30 minutes and besides I don’t want to be swept away by the “Vehicle of
Shame” as what other runners called the van which picks up those remaining
runners who wasn't able to finish on time for the timely opening of the road
and of course, for their safety purposes.
On my 18th kilometer, I saw others already walking in lazy
steps, but I made a swift and steady run at this time. When I reached the 20th kilometer before 7 a.m., joy started to burst. I kept smiling because event
photographers were present at that time.I don’t want to be caught with a wacky
face though! My friend, Yell, accompanied me running during my last 2 kilometers
and was cheering on me as I come closer to the goal. He always remind me to have
a strong finish and told me to smile and be ready for picture taking. LOL!
“Few more steps Julie, run! I know you can do It.” as I told myself.I was
awarded with a medal when I got into the finish line and a finisher’s shirt.
Loot bags were also given away.All of my hardships were all paid off and
happiness was clearly seen through my candid smile every time I took a glance
at my medal. No words can describe how grateful I am as a finisher. I said that
I won’t be joining long runs again, but not at this time. I've changed my mind.
I want to compete again. I suddenly realized that I don’t want to stop and I
love this kind of feeling.
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| My Medal and Finisher's Shirt |
In addition, race results were already out after 2 days. It feels so
amazing when I saw the results that I finished the race by 2 hours and 59 minutes based on chip (tag
attached to my shoes) time and was ranked 1,986 out of 4,308 partakers in the event. Not bad for a
first timer right?
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| 21K Race Results |
Running helped me become my own person. It gave me a competitive edge.
Now i know the answers to my questions when I first started running inside the
UP Campus. Running doesn't sucks for the person who has passion on it. Now I came to understand
why those crazy people love to run despite of the heat of the sun and other
factors that could affect our body. I knew, because I’m one of them.
There is something
magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a
bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have
before you, laid bare, is the soul. – Kristin Armstrong.
