For its past editions, the starting line was usually situated at Bonifacio Global City (BGC). For this year, they decided to make it different by moving the starting line to McKinley West. As I am not familiar with the parking area here and worried that it might be a problem for us, I decided that we leave the house earlier than usual. Doing so turned out to be a good decision as I was able to find a parking almost immediately on the road. Should we arrived a little later, this place would be filled already. Our parking was conveniently located near the starting line and it was free! Only worry Alvin had (which became my worry) was if there would be any break ins as no security here. But I figured that with a 4:00am gun start, we should be able to finish quickly as well (before any thieves were awake).
Having come off Hong Kong Marathon, I didn't feel like racing and just wanted to take it easy. But knew that I also had to be prepared for it distance wise and not just take it for granted. 25km is still a long race and a daunting task especially to one who underestimates it. So for my training runs, I would run two 10km during the week, preferably at 7:30 pace and the weekend prior to this, I logged in a 20km run via the treadmill. This should be enough to help me survive this year's Power Run, survive at least till the finish line.
My target for this race was at worst a 7:30 minute pace, which was what my pace was for the training runs. But it was a hilly route so I wasn't that sure on how well I would perform come race day.
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| New 25km route |
As Buendia Ave was the only flat place in the race, it was here that I sped a little faster knowing that later on, I had to slow down again once I get back to Kalayaan Bridge.
My back and shoulders were sore but legs were still strong so I kept running, just wanting this race to end. I was envious of the 16km runners and silently wishing I had joined that race category instead.
I kept going, counting down the distance to the finish line and now having a target runner for me to keep going - none other than Anne Curtis, whom I felt was slowing down as our distances were getting nearer.
I finally saw her back in BGC, and overtook her there. It was about 23km into the race and an uphill climb again going to Bayani Road. I didn't want to slow down for fear she might catch up to me. And went faster instead. This was hard, but I knew that pain would soon end and I could finally stop running and sit down.
A right turn to McKinley West was made and it was a downhill one to the finish line! Thank God for that. I saw John shout my name, then Alvin who seemed happy near the finish line. I sped the last 200 meters, overtaking another runner as I crossed the finish line!
Final time of 2:57:00 with pace of 6:58! Wow! Thank YOU LORD for this. Truly unexpected!
A few minutes later, Anne crossed finish line with a lot of people bringing out their cellphones and doing selfies with her.
Cindy crossed finish line too afterwards, quite happy as this was her farthest distance and she didn't burn out!
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| Happy 25km finishers |
Celebration afterwards at Mcdonalds BGC (our usual post race breakfast place) where my wife also came over to join us to eat.
Thank YOU JESUS for everything!
Note: I had two GU gels for this race, and one banana plus water and Pocari Sweat throughout the race. One toilet break as well. Lord's prayers were made every time I reach another kilometer which has become a standard to my long races.
Weather was a little humid at the beginning as well and I started to sweat a lot. But it became cooler as the day progressed. Witnessed a very nice sunrise on top of Kalayaan Bridge and a lot of runners took out their cellphones to take pictures of it.
Races are now over for the first quarter of 2018. Will see when the next one will be!
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