Race Review: PSE Bull Run 2011

Main Sponsors: Philippine Stock Exchange & Megaworld
Event Organizer: Advertising and Events Manila
Race Category: 10 Kilometer

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I registered for PSE Bull Run during the holidays to mark the start of my 2011 running season. It was one of the race last year that I missed out since my friend Maki (who works with PSE) keeps on reminding me to join. But now I did! :D

I am a little worried about the race as I am coming from a three week off. I don't know what will be my performance having just limited training during the off season.

Off to a Good Start

While waiting for the race to start, I got to see an old high school friend, Alex, we had a small chat and talked about some running plans in 2011. Then we separated ways because he'll be running for the 16k category which will start earlier.

still with fresh legs

with Alex

Then I met another friend, Mike, a fellow diecast collector from DCPH, who'll be running the same category as I am. We agreed to run our first five kilometers in 6:30-7:00 minute pace to save some energy for a strong finish in the end.

with Mike

When the gun start and ran the first few kilometers (noticed that there where no kilometer markers), the road still dark and a bit of chill in the air, I really felt strong and confident that I'll have a reasonable time to beat my previous personal record (PR). And as we climb the elevated portion (flyover) of the route, I didn't feel any loss of energy. I had kept a good pace. :)

Slowing Down

On our way to the middle mark, decided to past a few water stations, since runners are all lined up (short tables provided caused a very cramped place to get a drink) and making a stop can cost quite a time. But later found out to be a bad decision. When I reached the 45 minute of running time (really don't know what distance already), I felt the sudden drop of leg power. My throat quickly dries up and my breath starts to get heavy. Crossing big intersections along the way didn't help as it saps away my energy because of the extra effort to get past at a much quicker pace. At that point, I let Mike know that I am to slow down and might start to walk (which I did) if the heavy breathing continues. I just watched Mike pulled away and I run-walk a couple of times on the way back up at the flyover. Realizing of not having a drink would cost me yet another personal best!

Second Wind

On the next water stations, made an effort to drank a little not to make myself stomach heavy. I caught my second wind and hoped to make a push in the last kilometer. Looking at the time, 1 hour 8 minutes with close to a kilometer on much heavier legs, it meant I didn't break my previous PR (ING Running 20 @ 1 hour 8 minute 38 seconds). I crossed the line 1 hour 15 minutes (unofficial gun time shown below).

As the graph shows, for the third time in as many races, I can't docked the 1 hour time with more gas in the tank to really make a strong finish.

Not really the start of running season I am dreaming for. :(

Thanks Runner's Runner

Until next time. ;)

Thanks for readin' and keep on T runnin'. ;)