Mizuno Infinity Run: 113.87 Kilometers Racing

The Mizuno Infinity Run 2009 was my ninth race since I started running and finishing it marked 113.87 kilometers racing and a total of around 464 kilometers running. Too bad I only started my running log in February this year.

Coming from the IE8 run last week, I developed a sore foot such that I was limping the Monday and Tuesday after the race. By Wednesday, with the help of a painkiller and anti-inflammatory pill, the pain subsided, but I still felt that I had keep off my foot whenever possible. I decided forego running the whole week to make sure I could run the Mizuno Race.

The race appeared to be well-attended. I was at The Fort by 5AM and I could see that there were already many runners warming up and chatting near the starting line. The race organizer called all 15K runners to proceed to the starting area where he announced that there would be a change in the race route. Instead of passing by The Essensa, the route would be extended from the railroad tracks at Buendia all the way to Bautista Street, which would be the turn-around point. The route was also extended on the way back to the finish line near BHS.

I listened to the short and simple message of Sen. Pia Cayetano, and shortly after, we were off! I am not sure, but I think it started right on time, as I believe most Rudy Biscocho-organized races do.

The race route was familiar. Traffic in Makati came to a halt again because of the race. I believe there were enough water stations. There were even some Gatorade stations along the way. To help me counter my lack of sleep and training the week before, I brought along some raisins to give me a bit of a boost.

There were times I had to take walk breaks (especially on the Kalayaan Flyover on the way back), but I made it a point not to walk for too long a time. Nevertheless, I’ve got to work on this. I could shave a lot of time off if I could just run this one straight without walking.

I finished with a time of 1:34:19 (unofficial) which is only 30 seconds better than my last 15K Race (Happy Run). They gave out finisher shirts and free Gatorade at the finish line. Starbucks was also there to give out free coffee drinks and some promo coupons.

Later on, Mizuno revealed that they had planned another race on January 10, 2010 and that prizes would await runners who registered the best improvements from the day’s race. Hmm… Good thing it was a secret or else some runners would have slacked off. Anyway, it’s great that again, I have another race to look forward to.

Finally, to my high school and college friends at the race, it was great seeing you. To the others that didn’t make it, I hope to see you next time.

For now, it’s on to the next race. Our own company-sponsored JG Summit Employees’ Fun Run!

(For some reason, my official time is 1:38:27. The unofficial time of 1:34:19 is based on my stopwatch reading which I activated as the gun went off signaling the start of the race. The two were supposed to be synchronized.)