Race #15: The Dare

Race #15
PLDT 10miler

July 24, 2011
16K (10 miles)

Roxas Avenue
Davao City


“You are not going to run a 5K with a singlet that says PLDT 10miler are you? You should do the 10 miles, to prove that you ran the race.” That was a statement made by my brother weeks before he went to Manila. Needless to say, he had a point. I hadn’t really challenged myself much anymore with just 3K and 5K runs. The most distance I did was probably an 8K. But could I do it without ever running a 10k ever? Well, only one way to find out. Quoting Barney Stinson (from How I Met Your Mother), “Challenge accepted!”

This distance was not easy. And that was an understatement.

The route: Roxas Avenue ~ Bajada Street ~ Nova Tierra Village Entrance (turnaround) ~ Cabaguio Street ~ Q. Boulevard ~ Roxas Avenue.

Some friends and acquaintances from the gym also ran the 10 miles. Along the challenging route, some have passed me by, some have been passed by me. My trainer at the gym, Nestor, was impressive as he made it to the top 20 finishers. 

This was my first real challenge where I had difficulty finishing a race. But I know that this experience will serve me well in the future.

Lessons learned:

1) Be well-trained for distances over 10K. Well, I have to say that joining this race in that category was a “more guts than brains” move. I wasn’t exactly trained to handle this distance yet (in other words, I was undertrained). Pride in completing this distance was the only thing keeping me going. I have to note though, anyone can complete this distance. It just takes a matter of time. But only those who have trained well will spare themselves from severe suffering.

2) Power Gels help in races where you have to run for more than 1 hour. In one of my running books, I read about Power gels. They are essentially food for runners. Having one is like drinking “wake-up” juice. They are sure to give boosts of energy!

On a last note, earning that finisher’s medal at the finish line sure takes the pain away (even for just a short moment though). ^_^

Me and my friend Alex at the finish.

>>> Race time: 16K (2 hr 13 min)