Hong Kong Marathon 2018

Third time to run this race and all three are for the Full Marathon distance!  What is wrong with me?!

But since I already booked tickets and hotel for the same dates for this race, why not make the most out of this trip?  It was the first time I joined any race via the charity entry, as didn't get in via the normal lottery entry.  Fee was more expensive at HKD 1,500 but they are all for good causes, and still a lot cheaper vs other Charity entry International Marathons (with minimum amount to collect from USD 2,000 - 5,000).

Nice medallion included in race pack!

Out of the three HK Marathons I have done, this will be the first time that I will be staying in Causeway Bay (Regal Hotel), which is where the finish line is located (Victoria Park).  For the other two Marathons I have done, our hotel of choice had always been Benito Hotel as it was near the Starting Line.

This was also my first Marathon outside the Philippines where I didn't have Per with me for this race, so it was kinda different this time around.

But Alvin and first timer John also got into this race (via the normal method of registering) so at least I had some company going to the starting line.  We were all checked in at the same hotel and on race day Sunday, we all met at the lobby around 5:45am to head to Tsim Sha Tsui via the MTR.  We all opted not to leave anything at the baggage counters and just had with us some cash (for Alvin at least), subway cards with enough load, and hotel room key cards.  As weather was cold early in the morning, both Alvin and I were wearing some fashionable garbage bags.  Haha!

Going to the starting line was quite easy and we were there by 6:20am, still quite early for the 7:00am gun start!  Bathroom is an issue due to the big crowds that day but we were able to manage it (via key card from nearby hotel).  Did some stretching before we all walked together to the starting line.

Race incline posted at Nike store, Causeway Bay

The route for this race was the same as that of last year.  I paid attention to the steep hills again.  First 19km should be taken slow as it was a climb most of the way, then just go faster (if possible) on second half.  There will be bridges and tunnels again just like in the previous years.

Getting ready for the race!

Weather was a little warmer at 16 -20 degrees vs the one I ran last year at just 7-8 degrees.  But weather was still nice and a lot colder than in the Philippines.

My weapon for this race are 6 GU gels, 8 salt tablets and Kinesio tape on my back (both upper and lower) and both knees.  (I ended up using 4 GU gels and 6 salt tablets by alternating them at the water stations).

For this race, I also took three bananas for fear of conking out.  My breakfast was lighter vs before as had only two slices of bread with peanut butter (vs three slices last year) and an UCC instant cold coffee, which I bought at 7-11 store the day before.

I also stopped for two toilet breaks during the race- one at Mcdonalds before 4km and along Nathan Road, and the second time at the halfway mark via one of the few portalets they had on the course that didn't have any lines on it.

Here are some of the shots taken on the route courtesy of John, who was doing his first full marathon:

There were some problems for me during this race - at 10km the Kinesio tape on my left knee unraveled so I kinda panicked that it was coming off.  I decided to just leave it hanging there like a half torn band-aid as figured at least some small part of the knee was still being protected!  Haha!

And my right foot was in pain as well at 15km.  That was too early!  And I had to do toe bends while running and land on my right foot differently.  When pain was gone, I would go back to my normal landing.

Shoulders were also tight but didn't pose that much of a problem for me.  I just had to loosen my arms and neck from time to time.

My initial goal for this race was just to finish it.  Haha!  But then they had a Progressive Award certificate given to runners who can beat their previous time record.  So that kinda drew me in and gave me a target - to beat my 2017 HK Marathon time!

Last year, my pace was at 7:31 average pace with a total time of 5:16:56.  So I should try for a below 7:30 pace and total time of below 5:16 to get this certificate.

My pace and time for the first half was quite good for this target at 7:33 average and time of around 2:41.   Given it was the hard part of this race and average pace wasn't that far from my target of 7:30, I was quite optimistic for it.

But it was hard maintaining a lower pace and then keeping it for the second half.  I kept praying throughout the race and hoped for a safe finish, never mind the goal.

Luckily through answered prayers, the sun never came out!  And I was happy for that.

Finally after more than 5 hours of running, I was near Causeway Bay area.  I looked at my pace and it was hovering at 7:30 pace but time wasn't enough to make it to below 5:16.  I kept looking at my Garmin as the time slowly moved towards 5:16, and I was no way near finish line.  I was exhausted, tired and drained and just wanted to sit down somewhere and rest.

As Per didn't join for me in my HK trip, I didn't expect to see anyone near the finish line.  But amazingly someone was jumping up and down and screaming my name!  It was my sister with her husband and daughter and they were all cheering for me.  Wow, that was awesome.  It gave me a big smile as I waved to them, forever thankful that they were there cheering and smiling at me.

It was just 1km to go or less but my Garmin had surpassed the 5:16 mark!  Oh well, I won't let this one thing ruin my race.  Given the boost in morale from seeing my sister, I ran faster all the way to the finish line and finally crossed it!

My final time was at 5:18:20 with an average pace of 7:29.  I have achieved target pace!  But unfortunately due to the bathroom break at Mcdonald's my total distance was longer from last year and I didn't beat last year's time!

I cried a bit after crossing finish line as I was emotionally drained and was just so happy to have finally finished the race.  It took everything from me but I was glad that I crossed the finish line with a good time.

Thank YOU LORD!

I met Alvin at the finish line who said that he won't run this race again as it was just too hard!  Haha!

We went back to our hotel nearby to await for John to finish his race, and finish he did.

After a quick rest and shower, we all celebrated at Delicious Kitchen followed by a visit to Nike Store.

 

the coveted finisher medal!

all happy now that race is over (and eating our two meals each!)

The next day, with my legs still quite sore, I went back to the Nike Store in Causeway Bay and got the finisher shirt there.  Nice thing about this shirt is that it comes with a bag and you can put your gun time on both shirt and bag with a marker that also comes with the price.

What a nice souvenir of the race!

Thank YOU LORD for YOUR strength!  Thank YOU family and friends for your prayers! :)

2018 First Quarter Races

There are a lot of races I signed up for first Quarter 2018.

First of course would be the PSE BULL RUN 2018.  This will be held this Sunday at BGC, which is a place that seldom have race events so when they do have one, I try to grab the chance and join it.  I have been running PSE Bull Run for some years now and enjoyed it as first race of the year.  Route is usually the same as it goes up Kalayaan Bridge and heads out to Bayani Road and Lawton Avenue.  Obviously not a flat race but gives indication on ones fitness levels especially on the hills.

They would also have a 25km Race category but because of the bigger price difference for it vs the half marathon, it just doesn't justify me joining it so it is back to the 21km race for me.  This should be a well managed race as organizer is RunRio Inc.

My Second race for the year would be one of the hardest for this year as it is a full marathon.  Held in Hong Kong (on January 21st) as will be there at the same time event is to be held.  I wasn't lucky enough to get in via the lottery process but with Alvin's help (and his aunt), I got in via the charity category.  I shall be running the full marathon after just doing it in 2017.  Quite excited for it because the weather and the view had always been nice here.  Only difference now for me is that I will be staying near the Finish Line instead of the Starting Line so that's something I had to prepare for early in the morning.

Hopefully weather will be as nice as the one we had in 2017 for it.

Then there is the 7-11 Race (Feb 04, 2018):

Another hilly race!  This time on the SKYWAY!  I also did this in 2017 as the last race before HK Marathon.  With the moving of the HK Marathon to an earlier date for 2018, this race becomes the race AFTER HK marathon and my third race for the year. 

As legs should still be tired from running (and hopefully finishing) HK Marathon, this will be more of a relaxed and enjoy the scenery kind of race.  But as it is two weeks after HK Marathon, maybe legs will be strong by that time as well.  Let's see!

Fourth race registered is the New Balance Power Run 25km on Feb 11th. 

This one I just registered for yesterday at New Balance Glorietta.  The shirt is really nice and reminded me of the shirts in one of the earlier editions of Nike Run Manila.  Unfortunately, it won't be an easy race again and will once again be hilly as venue will be held at McKinley West, Taguig.

No information yet on the route of this race but thinking it goes to BGC and Bayani Avenue.

In between all these hard (as all hilly and at least 21km distanced ones) is this LITTLE (Pony) one:

This was postponed last year as it rained the night before and it became dangerous to push through as mostly kids joining it.  I shall be doing this with my two daughters for a distance of 1km.  It should be a fun race for them!

So a total of five races for just the first two months of 2018 and all at different venues (BGC, Hong Kong, Alabang Skyway, McKinley West, Mall of Asia).  Hopefully I can join more races this year and be injury free.

Thank YOU LORD for all these opportunities.

HK Marathon 2018 - Third time to run!

Yes, my third time to run this hilly hilly course!  What is wrong with me?

The first time was all the way back in Feb 05, 2011 where I got my second fastest marathon time of 5:02:17.  Sadly, I am not able to go to this level again as I don't do much speed work anymore.

The second time I ran HK Marathon was just this year wherein I did the full marathon while Per did the Half Marathon.  We both made it within the cut-off time and I was happy with my time of 5:16:57 time, which was my fastest marathon for the past 5 years!  Ironically it was the first HK Marathon I did that was faster than this was.

Both times I enjoyed the HK weather, and the course, though hilly was nice as well, as it took us on various bridges in the city, giving us a glimpse of the sea.  The only drawback here was the strict cut off time and having cut off points at various parts of the race.

As my blood results were not that favorable to me during the last check up, I figured doing this was like hitting two birds with one stone - another marathon done and hopefully, an improvement in blood test results for next year.  Besides I already have tickets and hotel booking for Hong Kong trip as I will be there at the same time as the event, so why not do a marathon while there (so hitting 3 birds with one stone!)?

Unfortunately, I didn't get in during the lottery process!!

 

I didn't even get in to the waiting list.  It was a flat out rejection email to me.  Boo!  Alvin got in and immediately registered for it.




So what am I to do in Hong Kong while the race is going on?  I didn't want to be a spectator!  I wanted to be a runner there!

Well, there was another option and that is via Charity.  Upon checking the details on it especially the part where FEE is detailed, I saw that it was doable.  The fee amount is HKD 1,500, which is more expensive than the regular entry fee (obviously) but not that expensive vs other charity races.  To compare, I think London or NYC Charity entry fees are about USD 2,000 to 5,000 per person!

HK Marathon website had some hacking issues on their page so I couldn't pay anymore via online using my credit card.  Only way to go about it is to issue a HK issued bank cheque within the time period.  Another barrier for this!  It felt it wasn't just meant to be and just relax while in Hong Kong.







And then came Alvin....

Who has an aunt based in Hong Kong and who was in the Philippines at that time to visit them.

Another window opens as one door closes.  And said Aunt did all the mailing of application forms and cheque and after a few weeks, I got the result that I am in! Never give up!!


 

So training has been going for this race with a steady 7:30 - 7:40 average pace.  Still no speed work but that should be fine.  No time pressure other than the cut off time.    I will just run it to enjoy the view, the experience and to burn calories. 

31 days to go!

To God Be All the Glory!

Hong Kong Marathon 2017 - Part 3

This is the first International Marathon that I will be doing a second time around.  The first time I did this race was five years ago.  At that time Per also joined me for the Hong Kong trip but opted to be a spectator.  This time she will run the 21km challenge as well (and hopefully we both make it to the cut-off time).

I am registered for the Marathon 2 wave, which is basically everyone who runs slower than 4:00 hours time.  Gun start time was at 7:00am for my race while for Per's 21km, it was at 8:30am.  

We booked the same hotel (Benito Hotel) as we did five years ago and it was because of its convenience to the starting line (one stress factor removed - travelling to starting line).

On Sunday morning, we were at the start area around 6:30am and were there in time to see the fast runners go off. My arsenal for this race consists of 6 GU gels and 6 salt tablets.  

Weather wasn't as cold as our first day in Hong Kong and that was a good thing as I could revert to wearing just my running shirt and shorts.  Shades, cap and Spi-belt with attached bib, completed my running outfit.  We took some pictures around the area and separated thereafter as my race started while Per went back to the hotel to rest a bit.  In an hour or so, she has her own race to run for!

One thing that benefits me during a road race is proper studying of race route.  To know where the turns are, the climbs and the water stations.

As it was a new route for HK (they changed it last year for their 20th anniversary), I had to look at it again.  And it was all uphill till 19th km!  And three bridges, two tunnels and multiple cut off points throughout the race course.  Definitely not easy!  Luckily weather was cooperating for this year's marathon edition (I read last year was horrible because of the hard rain).

Given the steep climb, I had to take it easy for the first part.  By 2km, I was winded already and took a 1-minute walk break before resuming again.  Next walk was 3km away.  But I enjoyed the weather and the scenery.  There were no specific time goals for me for this race. I was just here to enjoy it and savor the moment of running it among thousands of like minded people.

I may sound a little preachy but I knew that I couldn't do this race alone and needed His strength all throughout.  I usually burn out from 32-42km and hoped this won't happen here.  I quietly recited the Lord's prayer every time I reach a new kilometer and lifted this race up to HIM.  I also prayed for Per that she will do well in her own race.  I did what I can but confident that He will be there to protect me to the end.

The nice thing now is that they have released a live tracking App so friends and family can track your performance back at home. Example of this is the picture above which came from Alvin's phone while he is all the way in Manila, and tracking our progess.  Not that accurate at start of race (my status was saying that I was running at 5 min pace!  And Per was destined to finish her half marathon at 2 hours 15 minutes.) but it all re-adjusted at the finish line.

My goal was to reach 19km mark as that would be the hardest in the course given its ascend. Incidentally it was where the first cut-off was located too at 2 hours 50 minutes.  The bus was there, waiting patiently for any runner who will not make it to the cut off time.  I switched my Garmin screen to that of the time of the day.  From this moment on, I won't see current pace but just base it on the time of day.  This helps me see how far I am from the next cut off as they are spaced about 1 hour apart.  It seems organizers forgot to mention as to which distance cut offs will be imposed and choosing instead to put it in location points.  With the route map, it wasn't clear where said locations or cut off points were.  Given the 6 hour cut off of the race, I knew I had to run below 8:30 pace, and that was achieveable for me.

I was more worried for Per and hoped and prayed that she made it for the first cut-off for the 21km, which was at the 10km mark (1 hour 30 minutes). 

I monitored to when it will be her 1 hour 30 minutes and said a quiet prayer for her.  I kept going.

During this race, I took 2 salt tablets at a time instead of 1.  And did this twice in the race.  GU gels I took at various parts of race along with banana at one point and even a small chocolate bar.  (I ended up taking only two GU gels which was smallest amount that I took in a race.  For salt tablets, I ended up with four pieces.)

From 25km onwards, I split distance to 3-5km segment target goals so that it won't be too daunting. 30km to 32km (20-miler! Woo hoo!) to 35km (back in Hong Kong Island after running inside a tunnel).

This is the hard part.  When you are exhausted after running so long, you have to dig deep and keep going.  Once in Hong Kong Island, runners would go to Central and to Wan Chai and finally Causeway Bay.  In between, there is another flyover that we had to run (or walk) on.  

Then I was at 40km.  Only 2km to go.  My feet are sore.  My body is hurting.  But just a few more minutes and I can finally sit down to rest.

I saw Per in Causeway Bay and felt nice to see her again.  But wondered how she did in her own race.

And there it was - the big mat to the finish line!  Praise God!  The last 100 meters!

Fisted hands raised to the air!  Yes, I did it!!

And then it was over!  Two- time Hong Kong Marathoner!

Per made it too!  Close to cut off time with a time of 2:58 ++ but still sub 3!  

We are both ecstatic with our finish time. Per's bestfriend even called her race NAILBITING as it was too close to the cut-off time.

My race was my fastest marathon since 2012.  That was 15 marathons ago!  Ironically the most recent race that was only faster this one was my first Hong Kong Marathon! And yes, that was 5 year ago.

I got my finisher medal and loot bag and went to find Per at our meeting place in Starbucks Fashion Walk.  This was only 500 meters from the finish line but because they closed off roads for the race, it took me more than 30 minutes to get to her!  A benefit I guess if your hotel is near finish line (like that of Regal Hotel) so can rest right after running!

We were both tired but happy.  And had late lunch of crab congee and wonton noodles near our hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Race results came out that same night.  Talk about efficiency!

We did it!  To HIM ALL THE GLORY!

Amen!

It was now time to celebrate!

Hong Kong Marathon 2017 Part 2

Here are some of the things that we did in Hong Kong prior to the big race:

Day 02 - Friday:

Woke up late and skipped breakfast for the two of us, which was awesome as it shows that we really are on holiday!  No work, no kids to worry about (they are in good hands under my parents care) and no plans for the day except to do one short 5km run in the city.  Reason for run is threefold: to loosen our legs for the race, to remove any anxiety we may have by running in Hong Kong cold weather and to help us to plan on the right attire and gear for the race.  Because of the cold weather, I was thinking of buying a light windbreaker for the race but as I didn't want to spend for it, I figured I would wear two (worn out but super comfy) running shirts and just throw one away when I felt that I didn't need it anymore.  I bought two shoes with me but with some pain in the soles of my feet during the short run, I opted to use the cushioned (read: heavy) New Balance shoes as hoping that it would make me last longer in the race.  My last decision on attire was whether to wear standard running shorts (which I have been doing for the past two years) or CWX compression pants to protect me from the cold weather (shorts won out on this).  With the short run, it helped me with the decision making- I would go to original plan of one running shirt, shorts and change my light running shoes to that of the heavier ones.  For Per, she vetoed her original plan of wearing her pink Soleus singlet in favor of running shirt and with light jacket over it.

Our running route was supposed to be just inside Kowloon Park but it was hilly there so we left the park and ran around Tsim Sha Tsui - from Nathan Road (where  race start will be on Sunday), we did a small loop that took us to the Cultural Center and Space Museum and back to the hotel. As we ran with my cellphone with me, our run became mostly a run walk as we stopped in a lot of places

just to take some pictures!  Tourist mode on! :(

Here are some photos taken from our "run":

Cheap dimsum after the run at One Dimsum in Prince Edward where we met some Cebuanos who are also doing the Marathon.

Day 03 - Saturday

Carbo loading day and I ordered two cheap but big meals at Cafe de Coral.

We also collected our race packs at Kowloon Park, which took about 10 minutes only.

Surprised to find out that Nike is now the sponsor of the race shirts!  Dry tech material! Yahoo!

Some more shopping at Harbour City before heading back to the hotel around 4pm so that we could rest our legs.

Slept a little, fixed our gear, had dinner and rested again.

Finally, race would start in 8 hours time!

To be concluded...