Adidas KOTR 2010

I believe I already mentioned before that I consider the Adidas King Of The Road as my anniversary race since it was the first ever race I joined in 2008. So despite the exorbitant race fee of P850.00, I just had to register for my third KOTR. At my current state I figured that I had no choice but to limit my distance to 10K even if I did the 21K last year.

I was expecting a lot of participants since there were reports early on that the 21K category had closed shortly after registration opened. When we got to the venue, I was amazed at the sheer number of participants.

When the marketing head of Adidas Philippines announced that for 10K alone, there were more than 4,000 participants, I knew it would be a slow start as it would take a while for the crowd to spread out.

One thing I wish other runners would observe is proper running etiquette as there were many who would just walk in the middle of the road and in the path of runners behind them. Others would suddenly stop to walk without moving to the side. Still other groups of runners would walk side by side blocking most of the road.

At the finish line, I noticed the 21K finishers with their finisher medals. They wore them with pride and went around showing them off to anyone who would look. Deep inside, I wish I could run the 21K again and show off a medal too. Anyway, it would probably take me more than a month to be fit enough again for the half marathon. Anyway, when I think about it, I will get there eventually. I just have to be patient.

All in all, in was a good race with ample supply of water and Powerade Sports Drink. It was just amazing that compared to last year, there were probably more than twice as many runners this year.

UP ICTUS Centennial Run

I was quite cautious not to put my goal of running a sub 1-hour 10k race for the UP ICTUS Centennial Run because I was afraid I would not make it. Nonetheless, it was the setting of the goal that kept me going even when I felt like I had run out of steam.

I think I was able to prepare for the race pretty well having been able to do some speed exercises this last three weeks. I was able to have a good breakfast and I got there early enough to warm up a bit.

I think the last minute change in the race course caught me off guard because I got a bit disoriented not being able to tell how much farther to go so I picked up my pace too soon and ended up having to take a couple of walk breaks. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the race. For the first 6km, I felt strong and relaxed. I also noticed that the middle group of this race had taken up a relatively fast pace.

So, congratulations again to the race organizers for another great race. Thank you for the free Finisher's Singlet, Rush Sports Drink and Hidden Spring Mineral Water, Mens Health Magazine, Krispy Kreme Donut and Photovendo On-the-spot Picture.

My official time was 59 minutes and 50 seconds, a personal record! Imagine what it could have been had I not taken those walk breaks.

Loved: Running through the cool air of the UP Diliman campus.
Hated: The smoke belchers driving through the campus ruining the air as they pass.

Pictures of the event below!