my first "gunshot"

Woke up at exactly 3:45 am, took a shower, packed my bag, had a cup of coffee, packed my bag again wore my new Nike outfit (bought them specially for my big "first"--- race that is, I did not want to wear the singlet that came with the race kit because it was too tight---well, is it me or the singlet ?!!! :)
packed my bag again, and then went to the car, started the engine, then went back to my room ...darn!!!forgot my race bib!!! (after packing my bag three times)... then left.

I arrived at Mckinley Hill in Taguig at exactly 5:10 am.
(parking was like that of a mall on weekends) I was quite surprised with the turnout. It was like a concert or something. Saw a lot of people, men, women, young and old, all geared up for the race, wearing nice sporty outfits and some gears strapped on their waist and arms only God knows what it is. People from all walks of life came, from celebrities to yuppies, students, a lot of doctors (since the race was sponsored by the Asian Hospital), weekend athletes, hardcore runners and ME!

"Runew" was an event organized by the well renowned local race organizer cum Nike endorser, Rio dela Cruz. I did not expect to see a wide screen, a big stage & some blowing thingys. I thought I was in a wrong event because the place looked like Chris Brown or Rihanna will be harnessed to the stage any moment. The first gunshot fired at exactly 5:45am for the 15k runners. From where I was standing, I was amazed to see hundreds of runners heading towards the slight uphill just a few meters after the starting line. It was so nice to see everyone excited, I did not see their faces though (to see if they are excited or not) but I know they are, I just know! Immediately after all the 15k runners left, they called all the 5k runners, including me, to take our positions.
And so I went, what do you expect me to do!!! At exactly 6:00 am, they fired the next gunshot, or did they? I dont remember actually! anyway, I started out slow, (that's my style so I can last longer) I saw those behind me speeding up, running ahead of me, but I kept my cool, just took my pace at a level comfortable for me. The run took place within McKinley hill. I thought the place was nice and classy. For a moment, I almost forgot I was in a race . Minutes later, I passed by those who ran ahead of me at the start of the race (see, my "style" worked...haha!).
I reached the finished line at exactly 31 mins and 11 sec (now my official PR for a 5k run),
was not happy though, I was expecting to finish below thirty, but I thought it's ok, not bad for my first official race huh! I used to run faster than that, or is it my watch :).
After the race, I went to meet some guys from the running forum (takbo.ph). I don't remember all of their names but I'm sure I will the next time we meet for the next race.
While I was driving home, I still felt the exitement ... I knew it won't be the last. True enough, just last week, My kewl sister registerd me for the Condura Skyway Run. I initally wanted to run the 10K but I was informed that only 21K runners will get the finisher's medal (what a jump huh!!, I mean from 5k to 21k, I must be insane....as always.. haha!!!) the rest will only get certificates, and so 21K it is... :) fingers crossed. Anyway, this won't be the first time I will be running such distance, but this will be the first time that I will be doing it officially (with a more accurate timer :) ), not to mention some difficult ascend along Kalayaan Avenue and up the Skyway. I really can't wait. I'm sure this will be exciting. This time, the forum members were smart and kind enough to organize a support group for the members who will be joining the race. We will be wearing our very own singlets and have our own water stations and marshals among others. We will also be having a "Carbo Loading Party" 2 days before the race ( How's that!?! :) ---there's always a reason to party!!!).