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…