The Great UP Run 20274

I began dreaming of joining fun runs again earlier this year. My initial goal was to do it with my unico hijo. I wanted to fulfill my long time dream of running with him in an official run event. Back then, I would sign him up to kiddie runs. I had a vision that someday we would join longer runs when he gets older. And now that time has come.

We targeted the Yakult 10-Miler in September. However, the slots for the 10k event ran out fast and we failed to register. It would have been nice if this was our first run together because I used to join this with his pop.

A few weeks later, I came across a post about The Great UP Run in my Facebook timeline. It was a fund raising event for UP varsity athletes. Coach Rio dela Cruz, a UP alumnus, organized it through his RunRio company. I like the look of the finishers medal, the singlet, the optional shirt and most of all the venue. So, I signed us up and waited for the D-Day.

D-Day was November 17, 2024, Sunday. Unfortunately, a strong typhoon was battering us that day so the event had to be rescheduled. The typhoon signal was up at #2 in our area that day but it wasn’t raining. It was just gloomy. But safety first, so we just had to wait for the new date.

It was rescheduled six days later, November 23 (Saturday).

Unlike the Women’s Run PH last month, this time I wasn’t late. We were at the venue about 3o minutes before the gun start. We had time to do our warm ups and watch the pre-run festivities. We heard Coach Rio’s introduction speech, the countdown, the gun start and witnessed the fireworks as the run commences.

It was such a vibe to start the race with my son and all the other runners. The energy of the community was exhilarating. The downside was, running with a crowd is a bit of a challenge in a cramped space. This is especially true in the first few meters. Everyone is so psyched up and excited to speed up. Sometimes you get side swiped or bumped.

The 10k race route was pretty much the same as my last run. The only difference was in the last 500m. Instead of going in front of the Oblation statue, we took the lane behind it going to the Finish Line in front of Palma Hall.

As was last time, some areas were poorly lit. We could not see the ground we were running on. I have seen at least 3 runners stumble because they did not see the hump in the road.

Hydration stations serving water and Gatorade were placed at regular intervals along the race route. I like that the Gatorade stations were serving their drinks in reusable cups. I just hope that they wash it thoroughly before reusing it again.

Kilometer/road markers were placed along the way to inform the runners how much they’ve ran and how much to go. And even if I can track myself through my watch, I still appreciate seeing these big, bold markers. It’s like mini milestones and my inner self celebrates whenever I pass by one.

Overall, I had an excellent run. I was not able to train in the past two weeks but I still managed to get a new PR! Yahoo! I was 9 minutes faster than last time!

And of course, it was an “achievement unlocked” moment to be able to run with my dearest boy in an official event. We did not run side by side because I will just slow him down. But we did start at the same time and met up after the run. He finished about 16 minutes earlier than me.

Post run breakfast was at Gyud Food, a food hub located inside the UP Campus. It was a little early so some of the stalls were still closed. We ended up ordering Bagnet Sisig from Ate Ricas’s Bacsilog. It was tasty and satisfying for less than P200 meal.

Well, that’s it for 2024. Train more ’til the end of the year for a stronger and hopefully a faster me next year. And praying for more runs with ma boy. Until the next run…

Women's Run PH 2024

The last time I joined a fun run was over 10 years ago. And between those years, I lived a pretty much sedentary existence. There were several attempts to adapt a healthier lifestyle but never really succeeded. So this run was more than a one day event for me. It was the culmination of several months of struggle to becoming a better version of myself.

Motivation and Signing Up

Early this year, one of my admired celebrity had took up running and was seen in the streets of Ayala Ave during car-free Sundays. Seeing his photos and video clips brought back memories of my running days and made me want go back into the game. Quoting one of his favorite lines, “Let’s go!”

So I started training while looking for possible run events that I can join.

I think I found Women’s Run PH in Facebook. It’s the first time I’ve heard of it and my initial reaction was, “Women’s Run? All women? Really?”. I checked their website and liked what I saw. Their advocacy of promoting women’s health  thru running is awesome.

And then I found out that the founder was Nicole Wuthrich-dela Cruz, the wife of Coach Rio dela Cruz of RunRio. I know of Coach Rio back in the early days of his RunRio company. I even had a photo with him during one of the running events that his company organized. I am familiar with his inspiring life story as well as his love story. His proposal to Nicole in 2011 was a real sweetie.

Anyway, I signed up as early as July and bravely committed to a 10k run even though I can barely run a kilometer without passing out at that time!

Preparation

I have never appreciated our home treadmill that much until I signed up for this event. It was a joint purchase with my sister 2 years ago but I have not fully utilized it until today. It was that equipment that helped me improve my running form and speed without the need to go out. I also do outdoor runs but only on Sunday mornings in UP Diliman with my 18yo son.

Last July 20, I joined a WRPH and UP Dreamers organized Training Run in UP Diliman. It was a 5k run that took me forever to finish. But a few days later, I signed up for the 10km event. Crazy, right?

Gear Up

As I mentioned, I was pretty much a couch potato in the past several years. So, I purchased a few items to inspire me to get my butt off the couch and do the work to reach my goal. Nothing fancy, just stuff that I considered essential even back in the day.

First and foremost, I bought a new pair of running shoes because I didn’t have one. A reliable pair that would carry me from Start to Finish of a 10km course.

Second, I got myself a running watch so I can track myself. It gives a tangible evidence of my progress.

And lastly, a week before the day, I purchased an open ear wireless head phone so I can listen to music while I run. It’s also a sort of distraction to help me concentrate on the present and not worry about how far before the finish line.

  

Race Kit Delivery Hiccup

The race kit delivery started in September but I still have not received mine two weeks before the event. Apparently there was some an attempt to deliver before but it failed and the item was returned to the organizers. However, I was not informed about any of this. Had I not inquired when I did, I do not know what would have happened to my race kit. It took about a week of back and forth emailing (because they do not have a phone number) with the organizers before I finally received my kit.

D-Day

Expectation: Get there early and meet up with my cousin who also signed up for the 10km run. I was looking forward to seeing her because we have not seen each other for quite a while. I was also excited about the pre-run events – opening talk of the founder, the pep talk, the warm-up exercises and of course the sound of the gun start while colorful confetti shower upon the charging runners.

Reality: We got stuck in traffic at the corner of Commonwealth and University Avenue that I was compelled to go down and walk/run the rest of the way. So in reality, my race began about a kilometer before the official starting line. When I got there, the official clock says that the other runners had a 3min head start already.

My stomach was already in knots since the previous day worrying that I might not reach my goal. So being late for the very first time since I started joining runs only made me more stressed. But as they say, the show must go on. It took a while, though, before I got my bearings back. I think it was after I made it to the first water station (at the 2km mark) and had my much needed drink, that I started to calm down.

The “good morning” greeters and cheerers stationed at different parts of the race track were a mood booster. They were so jolly you can’t help but smile.

Several water stations serving water and Gatorade starting from the 2km mark and at regular intervals throughout the course. We were adequately hydrated. And I appreciate the fact that no used paper cups were littered on the ground. Everyone were responsible enough to dispose them properly.

Road markers showing directions and kilometers ran were placed along the way. Each kilometer marker passed always feels like a little win and I quietly rejoice. There were also some motivational quotes to keep our spirits up.

Several photographers were positioned in almost each corner of the race course. They were an added motivation especially at times when I felt tired because I tend to be faster on my feet to either get away from them asap (because I don’t want my photo taken) or look like a serious runner if they do take a shot.

I guess my only issue was during the first hour when it was still dark. There were areas where I would have appreciated a street lamp or any source of light. It was a little unnerving to not see the ground I was running on.

Finish Line

Despite the late start, I was still able to finish in less than 2 hours. Goal achieved! A milestone for this almost golden gal who can’t even climbed up a flight of stairs without getting breathless just a few months ago.

It was a happy surprise to find distinguished men in barong awarding each runner with their finishers medal by carefully placing them on their necks. I felt like a real winner!

 

Abundant Loot Bag

The finisher’s loot bag was filled with so much goodies. From sunscreens to drinks to medicines. There was still several booths in the venue giving away freebies but I was already too tired to line up.

Post Run

Hubby and I went for the big kill – a breakfast buffet! I figured I deserved it. We went to Sweet Inspirations in Katipunan where I had 2 plateful rounds in the buffet table plus coffee and orange juice. Then dessert of Maja Blanca and Puto Bumbong.

 

Overall, I had a good run. Personal goal achieved with no injuries and a bountiful loot bag to take home. On to the next run…

2013 PSE Bull Run

December 13, 2012 - Bonifacio Global City

Unfortunately I failed to register for this year's run so this post is about my husband who got a free race kit from his office. He did the 3k run with 3 of his officemates and I was there to capture their winning moment =)

2012 was pretty much a slack season for me for so many reasons (excuses!). On our way to BGC this morning, I realized that it has been a year since I have been there. And that was during the last PSE Bull Run in 2012! OMG!

One thing that was very obvious was the fact that several establishments were built last year. And those areas that used to be activity areas for running events has been converted to either buildings, parks or parking lots. Even Boni High Street has been extended to the next block. BGC seems to be getting a bit too small for running events now.

As to the event, it seems there were less people who joined this year compared to last year. 5k participants only covered a third of the street where the run started. It used to be 5k events were overflowing with runners.

The 3k event was participated with the least number of runners. My husband did this event for the 2nd year in a row. 

Hubby with his running buddies

Hubby finished in about 30 minutes then we set off to find Mercato for breakfast. But we got lost so we went back to Boni High Street and settled for Seattles Best. Had a good and hearty breakfast. 

It was nice to be back in BGC for a running event. Hopefully it won't take another year for us to come back. 

Post-run activity with our little guy

36th Milo Marathon - National Finals

December 09, 2012 - SM Mall of Asia

Another 10k done! Yehey!

And another Milo Marathon on my list!

Thankfully I was in better shape this morning than I was during last week's QCIM. I shaved off 11minutes off my record from 1:46 last week to 1:35 this week. My legs have also recovered well so I was able to run more (and less walk) today than last week. *bow*

I think starting an hour earlier helped a lot as it was considerably much cooler today. The 10k gun start for Milo was at 5am while QCIM started at 6am. It's hard to run (or do anything for that matter) if the scorching sun is breathing down your neck. 

Hydration stations were overflowing with water and Powerade so I was fully hydrated the whole time.

All in all, it was a good run. Til next year....

Me and my sister, my ever loyal running buddy

Post-race photo ops with my little kulit

Source: www.runrio.com

Related posts:

34th Milo Marathon - National Finals (Dec. 2010)

35th Milo Marathon - Manila Eliminations (July 2011)

QC International Marathon 2012

December 2, 2012 - Commonwealth Ave.

This is my 2nd QCIM and I think it was better than the first in terms of weather, route and hydration stations.  

Weather

Mr. Sun was at its best today compared to a very gloomy run last year. Although it was cooler in the previous year, I had a hard time going home because I got drenched from the rain. 

Traffic

Traffic along Commonwealth Ave was also better this time around. The run only took the inner lanes from both sides so motorists can still pass at the outer lanes. Last year, they closed the whole side going to Novaliches so all vehicles were cramped on the other side causing bumper-to-bumper traffic. This year, traffic was smoother except for very few areas. 

Hydration

Hydration stations was aplenty this year. Where there used to be only 2 tables of hydration station, this year it was about 3 meters long. Still no power drinks but at least there was plenty of water. 

 
Performance

My performance on the other hand is a different story altogether. I have been inactive for quite a while so I didn't really expect a spectacular finish. I signed up for 10k 3 weeks ago and only started training then. The last week could not even be counted because there were other things I needed to attend to so I was not able to train. 

As expected, I was of  already out of breath even before reaching my first kilometer. I was getting doubtful if I'll even reach the turn-around point, much less finish the whole race. But I could not face that kind of failure so I struggled on. I promised myself that I will finish it even if I have to walk thru it all. And I did - walk my way through it all. I think I walked 80% of the time. I even found myself a walking buddy at the last 3kms. 

Post-race

It has been 6hrs since I finished the race and I can feel the cramps in my legs. That's a sure sign that it has not been used for strenuous activity for quite a long time. Going down the stairs is the most painful. Ouchie!

I have another 10k race next Sunday. Hopefully my legs recover well.

Related Story: QC International Marathon 2011 

Starting Over

After a pitiful 20k total run and gaining 10lbs since the start of the year, can I do a 10k race in 3 weeks? Good luck, right? 

The Quezon City International Marathon on Dec 2 would be my come back race and will be followed by the 36th Milo Marathon National Finals a week later.

So I'll be hitting the gym and ran laps in UP in the next 3 weeks. Anyone wants to join me?

Tiktakbo 5

September 9, 2012 - UP Diliman Academic Oval

This is Miguel's 2nd time to join this run. Last year he did the 250m dash with a couple of my runner moms' kids. I ran along side him but I was not officially registered. 

Since we already did our first 3k together last March via the Good Housekeeping Fun Run, I figured we could do another 3k with Tiktakbo. And so we did.

Prepping before the run

We both took our time. We were not running to beat PRs or anything. Heck, I couldn't even run faster than I did even if I wanted to. That's how out of shape I am. I wanted to, at least, run the last meter to the finish line for "show" but Miguel did not want to. He says he's tired so I obliged and we walked our way to the end. 

Walking to the end

Post race photo

We finished another race, yehey! And this is Miguel's 5th run.

1. 2011 Good Housekeeping Family Run - 250m dash
2. 2011 Unilab Run United 2 - 500m dash
3. 2011 Tiktakbo 4 - 250m dash 
4. 2012 Good Housekeeping Family Run - 3k (our first official run together, meaning we were both registered in the same race and we both had running bibs/singlets)

'Til our next race together.....