PSE Bull Run: Third Edition

Last sunday's race was my third under PSE Bull run, an annual event organized by the Phil. Stock Exchange dubbed as Takbo Para sa Ekonomiya. My debut here in 2007 was my third official race and took me some 30mins to finish the 5km race. The second edition in 2008 was a good 45mins in 10km category, it was a PR then. That was one of the best effort I did in my running career that motivated me and instilled something in my mind that running will do great for me.

PSE Bull run 2007

Drafting; (wikipedia) is used to reduce wind resistance and is seen mostly in racing, though occasionally used in running. Drafting can be cooperative, in which several competitors take turns in the lead position. Or, it can be competitive, where one competitor will try to stay closely behind another leaving him more energy for a break-away push to the finish line.

One of the best technique I discovered is to be drafted off during running. During the last two editions of Bull run I tuck myself behind someone during the run because its so much more efficient to follow, and they happened to be triathletes. They'd usually run a strong, steady pace. Although the drafting effect isn't strong in running, its still there, all you need is to match their energy and intensity. Running toe to toe with these people I alternatively took time taking the lead as if I'm working with them together until the finish line.

On this third edition I managed to accomplish one of my decent time in years of running in the 10km races, a product of perseverance and labour and a good execution of technique. Try this out, it might work with you too. Its quite a difficult process but it yields positive results.

with Xty before the race