It has already been more than 46 mins since the gun fired for the 21K half marathon and I am just beginning to invade the Skyway. It was not as hard as I thought... I mean the incline. Maybe because I am just halfway the 21 kilometers, but seeing the long sea of runners heading towards the turn-around made me think that this is going to be a hell'a looooong skyway run.
Its 5:29 am and I just arrived in BHS. I heard someone from the stage saying "last call for the 21k runners"....Darn! I'm late again...or almost!
Exactly when the gunshot fired, I have just taken my position ang began to run slowly. Not only because I'm being blocked by other runners (we were told there were about 1,500 21K runners), but because I knew I had to take it easy because I still have a long way to go.
I kept on looking around trying to find familiar faces wearing a black Takbo.ph singlet and surprisingly saw a lot of them.
I was a bit nervous yet excited to reach the Skyway because I thought that it will be the biggest challenge but I was wrong. I consider the Skyway to be the best part of the route because it felt nice running on an elevated path, not to mention the view.
I think the ascend along Kalayaan avenue on our way back was the real "killer" part. Aside from the fact that it is our last few kilometers, the ascend seems higher than that of the Skyway.
I would say that the last 500 meters (with the finish line visible on the other street) was the most difficult and yet the BEST part because I knew I am about to finish the race. It was when I began to feel my legs cranking. I literally dragged myself.
Upon reaching the finish line, I saw the timer and was surprised to finish below 2h:30m (I dunno my exact time---it's yet to be published in the Philippine Star on March 29-- :) ) because I thought I would finish more or less in 3 hours (it is my first half marathon). I did not pay attention to my time or runners passing by me. I just kept on running.
It was not easy though. During the entire race, I felt pain of all sort, heat, thirst (considering the fact that I had a hydration belt and grabbed a cup from all water stations along the way), a bit of a headache (specially during my last few kilometers), and fear of getting blisters or dead nails, thank God I didn't - thanks to my Wave Rider 12 :) - a gift from my Sis, My biggest fan - by force..hahaha ). In spite of all these, I did not entertain any thoughts of not finishing the race. All I knew is that I'm there to get my first Half Marathon Finisher's Medal...And so I did.
Overall, the race was well organized. There were enough marshals and water stations, Including Takbo's very own support stations. It was peaceful enough allowing everyone to focus on nothing else but Fun.
After the race, I stood near the finish line together with other Takbo.ph peeps to congratulate the other finishers. We then went to our booth sposored by Kenny Rogers to meet up with the rest of the members for some chit-chat and ofcourse---"Class Pictures". :)
The Carbo Loading party that we had last March 20 really made the camaraderie during the event more intese, thus making the experience more fun and memorable. Thanks to everyone involved in organizing the event/s from the CL Party to our support group during the race, specially Sir Jinoe. 'Till the next race...Cheers to Takbo.Ph
Original Photographs Courtesy of :
i2runner
Timmy
dhenz
drum and run
run unlimited
Cherry
kelcy33
hydraice
Many thanks!!!
if I failed to mention your name...please let me know.
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