Di matibay ang paa ko
Training or practice is an important part of any endeavor one chooses, be it in the field of sports or not.
While BOTAK has once again redeemed itself from what happened in last May’s full marathon event, I have done the opposite and have continued on my downhill course.
Since this would be my first time to run in UP, I went to UP at around 5am because I am not familiar with the place, just like Ian, the last time I have been here was when I took the UPCAT a very long time ago.
I didn’t imagine that looking for a parking spot was difficult in UP (or maybe I was too early), I was also surprised that there were a lot of one way streets inside the campus.
Anyway, after a while I was able to find a parking spot and met up with running friends Isko and Ian. Isko told me that he had just ran from Trinoma to UP.
I also saw BDM veteran Jonel (bugobugo85) and Dhenz (runningpinoy).
The race started on time and there I was trying to cope with Isko and Ian’s “slow pace”. I don’t know what happened but after less than 30 minutes, I just suddenly felt weak.
Running, for me suddenly became a Herculean task. It seems that all those sleepless nights in the office is starting to take its toll on me.
The 10 mile race course will require us to run the same route 3 times. – that is ok with me since I was enjoying the large trees that were providing shade to the runners.
The only thing though, was that at the end of every loop, you will have to pass through the starting line where the mood is quite festive – after my 2nd loop I was really considering having my first DNF so that I could join the fanfare.
The only thing that pushed me to finish the race (at a slow pace) was this : “sayang yung binayaran ko kung di ko tatapusin” 
– that was my mantra during the entire third loop. I even tried to sprint at the last 200 meters but alas! – di matibay ang paa ko!
I finished my first UP race at 1:46.
Iskozenegger and running cousins Cesar (another BDM veteran) and Seabiskwit
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- Finally
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- Iskozenegger
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- SeaBiskwit
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- Ian and Isko loading up after the race
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- Mmm … sarap!
Congratulations on finishing your 10-miler, the distance is no joke specially on an unfamiliar course. Ian is a strong runner, I’ve run with him several times and his “slow” pace may be tough to handle haha. Keep it up, no worries about the downward spiral, it happens specially to working people
Once your schedule is better, you should be able to out in some good training time. Fact of the matter is, you’re still running, and that’s what’s important.
Thanks for the encouragement Luis and welcome back to Manila. See you around.
“just like Ian, the last time I have been here was when I took the UPCAT”
That means you also failed the exam… binuking mo pa’ko… hayuf! hahaha!
Luis, i’m sure you’re gonna be back to running self (ave 5min/km) in no time… see you guys around!