Pain under the rain – 32nd National Milo Marathon.

Throughout the week my major concern was the injury on my left harmstring. Last thursday I did a 12k easy run, the pain came back on my 7-8K and I start walking and jog all the way. On friday, I was down with a terrible running nose and headache. The maintanance came to fix the ceiling in my room and my nose started to react to the heavy amount of dust (allergic to dust). I didn’t know if I will be able to make the run on sunday. Any way, I left for Manila on Saturday evening, book a hotel and rested early. At the same time I was “banana loading”. I ate banana the whole week, and double on Saturday.

As I get down from my hotel, it was raining, Wow! this is perfect. Im used to run under the rain, since most of my training was under the rain. Therefore, my body was already used to the wet condition.

At the starting line:

I met some old friends whom I met in the Subic Marathon last january, a lady (whom I forgotten her name) from Baguio told me that she’s preparing for the BorneoInternational Marathon in Sabah this coming OCtober. I told her that Im preparing for that too, in fact Im using this event (Milo) for preparation for Sabah.

On the road:

I met Prometheus Cometh, he greeted me first as I didn’t recognize him. I normally don’t use my glasses neither my contact lense while running, therefore my vision was a bit blur. I ran with him for a while (not sure for how many K) but later he was ahead few meters and later few km. I told him that the weather was perfect, it will save 50% of our energy. I didn’t maintain my pace in the 1st 21k. I was concern that the strain would come back. So, I went at a slow pace.

After the final turn (3rd turning point) at the Heritage, I took my last power gel which High Altitude gave on saturday, and it boost my energy. At this point, I was still hydrated, my mind was still focus, the feeling was good and it was time to speed up. I didn’t last long, it was after passing the junction to Mekinly hill that I began to feel something on my left harmstring, instantly I knew the pain was coming back, so I slow and walk for few minutes (in fact I did walkathon…hahaha). After the pain depart, off I go in my normal speed. The best part was at the bridge, I over took many runners there, I did my speed there, I took advantage while going up and while going down to Makati. While in Makati area, that’s where I maintain my pace and eventually able to catch up with runners who were way ahead.

I start to loose focus 3k towards the finishing line on the Boulavard road. I told myself, if I speed here I can make to the finishing line in 10mins, but I could not speed instead I have to maintian my average pace due to the pain. I can’t stretch my legs to the maximum plus can’t lift up my left leg higher. So, the last 2-3 k I just ran slowly towards the finishing line. I complete the race in 4 hrs 12 mins 00 sec (According to my watch). At the finishing line, Aldwin and friends were waiting for me. Im really inspired by the fact that they came all the way from Cavite to witness the event and waited for me at the finishing line. They truely are my good friends.

(thats me on friday, I was at a friend’s farewell gathering and I wasn’t feeling good. I had running nose and terrible headache, despite of that, I still have the appetite to eat, in fact I ate as much as I can).

( There’s always a starting and finishing line, the goal is to finish the race. I enjoy running in Milo Marathons, very organized, popular and its usually crowded with people especially high school and College students).

(Another finisher medal to my collection. It took alot of hardwork for this, the time, effort, the various training, the sacrifice, etc. It’s worth the “pain”).

(Its a dream to stand up there. the last time I stand on the first place was back in 2002 when I won the 400m and 800m race in College).

(These are good friends from Cavite, RJ and Aldwin, RJ sister Kim, was in the 5k race. Didn’t got the chance to catch up with her).

(some regular runners, They were always ahead of me, but today I was able to catch up with them).

(Mizuno wave rider 10 has brought me from the starting to the finishing line with full of confidence. This is my official shoe. I only use them in races. This will save the lifespan of the shoe).

(Finally, this is my cert, finisher medal and my BiB no).

Its a perfect run for me. I didn’t thought of breaking a new record 4:12:00. My target before the race was 4:50:00. But somehow, somewhere I was able to endure the pain, I was motivated and inspired, I was positive, the weather was perfect and my energy level just boost to the maximum. Thanks to the support and encouragement of friends. Without them, it won’t be a successful run.

To all runners of these event, hope to meet you all again especially Prometheus Cometh. It was a privilage to meet all of you.

Will be back training on Thursdays. Preparation for Subic Marathon, Sept. 7 & BorneoInternational Marathon, Oct. 12.08.