February 25, 2009

Good Races Deserve a Good Finish

I entered the venue of the runnew race greeted by a blaring sound of music. There was a huge tv screen playing concert videos and the music was crisp and audible. It was a different morning to start a day with because everyone was treated to a good mix of music and fun. This is the beginning of something new in race organizing as introduced by runrio event. I was entertained for a while. That was a good prelude to my business that day.

concert at the race

At the gun shot, we were out and running to a new route. Hills abound at the earlier portion of the race and more slopes until the finish line. I started moderately and ran comfortably for the first 2km. As soon as I hit my rhythm, I shifted to race mode and started to burn rubber. The plan was to run swift and finish strong. Stride after stride, I recalled my pace at the moa from the previous week and adopted it by running at the same intensity. I reached the finish line a good four minutes ahead of my personal best.

from the lens of photobards.com


All throughout I ran better than I expected. I enjoyed running the route that showcased new concepts and styles. The new markers along the way as well as ads from photovendo were placed strategically and it was a delight scanning and reading run boosting messages and pictures (Wayne's was a good take). Marshaling were effective, fluids were adequate and so were the freebies. The post race program was a delight including the brunch tent for an after race meal. Results were fast and were readily downloadable thru the net. Kudos to the organizers and the participants as well, this was another successful event. A good race deserves a good credit.

takbo.ph 

February 18, 2009

Power Run: From My Standpoint

Power run; (wikipedia) refers broadly to any ability to effect change or exert control over either things or people by moving swiftly on foot for necessity, sport and fun.

Last sunday's run at the moa was a good run for me, even though there were lots of criticisms regarding the organizing of the race. It was an admission that there were really lapses from the part of the organizers, i.e. the inaccurate distance, the shortage of fluids along the route, the incompetency of some of the marshals, etc. These are just some of the failures that arises every now and then during a race, but it happens, and we have to accept it. 

the power route with its famed turns and bends

I would not delve much on the negative side of the race because, good things happened along the way. During the race, I managed to run at a comfort zone with a pace of 04m:17s on the average which is good enough to finish a full marathon in sub 03 hours. I was surprised by this development and was also excited to find out later that I could run this long. Running this flat route with good sceneries and an overcast sky thrilled me from beginning to the end. I had ran twice at the moa but this route was far different due to many turns and bends. After running this seemingly endless route, keeping my composure all throughout and leaving all worries behind, I managed to finish the race proud. This is a good sequel to my pse bullrun race. Can't wait for the official result from the organizers for a glimpse of my accomplishment.

This feat is a good gauging point for the future. I'm taking it one step at a time. Next goal is a decent finish on a half marathon race (fingers crossed). Let's keep trying.

finishers all