The Runfest 2015 had different race categories with the longest distance being the 21km or the Half Marathon.
I joined this race because it had been a while since I ran in BGC and also to give support to the race organizers (Takbo.ph's founder Jinoe Gavan).
When the race map came out a few days ago, I knew that this wasn't going to be an easy race as it goes up Kalayaan Bridge and also Lawton Avenue.
Upon seeing the map, I lowered my race goal and knew it won't be a fast race for me. I decided that I would just run for fun and run by "feel" only. There won't be any pressure to try to meet a time or pace goal.
With the 4am gun start and nice cool weather, it felt easy for me as I headed towards Buendia Avenue.
I would glance at my Garmin watch from time to time but only to look at total distance or current pace. I never knew what my average pace was.
Thank God there was no acid reflux in today's race.
Even though it was a hilly route, I quite enjoyed it and realized how much I missed running along Lawton Avenue and Bayani Road. It was here that I took a short walk break while eating a piece of banana.
I also took one GU gel at the 9km -10km mark and didn't see the need to take a second one especially since I wasn't racing it.
I felt good all throughout the race and by 16km,I decided I wanted to go faster for the last 5km. By this time, I was heading back from Bayani Road and climbing the hilly parts to BGC. But I was still feeling good and used that opportunity to go a little faster.
With only one kilometer to go, and still not feeling winded, I went to my fastest speed and crossed the finish line.
That was the only time I saw my average pace, which was at 7:19, more than 25 seconds faster than my previous 21km distance. Pace was reflected in the finish time as well of 2:33:51 (previous half marathon at 2:45).
Wow! Thank You Lord for this unexpected surprise.
Congratulations also to the race organizers for a very well managed race. There were kilometer markers the entire 21km, enough water stations (though just one or two had Gatorade in it), a much appreciated banana station and nice finish gears (finisher shirt was one of the nicest one I have seen in terms of design and materials used) at the finish line.
The best part for me was the strong finish and unexpected fast finish time. Now that is a runner's high! Praise God!
Before going home, I rewarded myself with a nice breakfast at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in High Street. Yum!
